Forgiveness in Conflict
Resolution: Reality and Utility
The Northern Ireland Experience
Forgiveness in Conflict
Resolution: Copyright © 1998 by the Woodstock Theological Center
Copies may be ordered from the Woodstock Theological Center.
The Woodstock Theological Center has issued volume two of the proceedings in a series of colloquia on forgiveness in conflict resolution, Forgiveness in Conflict Resolution: Reality and Utility—The Northern Ireland Experience. This colloquium was sponsored by the Woodstock Theological Center on the Georgetown University campus on June 18, 1997. The colloquia are part of a Woodstock study and consultation that aims to discover and describe the meaning and applicability of "forgiveness" in the resolution of conflict situations. This study is partially funded by the United States Institute of Peace.
In the first chapter, Reflections on How Forgiveness Has Functioned in Northern Ireland (A Catholic View), His Eminence Cardinal Cahal B. Daly of the Diocese of Armagh discusses the true nature of repentance, perceptions versus reality in Northern Ireland, and recent changes in community relations that could lead to peace.
In the second chapter, The Blocks to Forgiveness, Professor Paul Arthur of the University of Ulster speaks of both the structural and the subjective blocks to forgiveness. Among them are political factionalism and memory.
In the third chapter, Roots of the Conflict, Jane Ohlmeyer of the University of Aberdeen in Scotland explains how history has shaped—and continues to shape—political identity by tracing the roots of the conflict from the 17th century to the present.
In the fourth chapter, Reflections on How Forgiveness Has Functioned in Northern Ireland (A Protestant View), Presbyterian ministers Douglas Baker of the Corrymeela Community in Belfast and Ballycastle and Kenneth Newell, from the Fitzroy Presbyterian Church in Belfast, speak about interchurch efforts to bring about forgiveness and reconciliation, how forgiveness functions between groups and communities, and the need to address painful memories that lead people to mistrust each other.
Each chapter is followed by a summary discussion by the participants in the colloquium, which included academics, diplomats, conflict resolution specialists, government officials and church leaders.
Copies of Forgiveness in Conflict Resolution: Reality and Utility—The Northern Ireland Experience are available from the Woodstock Center for $8.00 plus $2.00 for postage and handling.
