Northern Ireland

I have now lived in Northern Ireland for nearly thirteen years. I thought that I might make some observations.

When I came here I suppose I may have had the arrogant attitude of an outsider. I viewed the 'troubles' as a purely northern problem and imagined that there was no such thing as bigotry down south. I was easily wound up if anyone criticised the Republic but was happy to see the faults in the north.

One of the first surprises was to meet some really nice Free Presbyterians. My first job in Northern Ireland was working on the Dungannon Methodist Circuit as a pastoral assistant. This involved occasional chaplaincy work in the local hospital. I had to visit Methodists and people from smaller Protestant denominations. I remember imagining that the Free Ps I would visit would be hard-nosed types. Yet every one of them I met was friendly, warm and sincere. I had too easily stereotyped!

The thing that has been the greatest blessing has been the many friends I have made. I have enjoyed great friendships since I have moved here. I have moved primarily in church circles so these friends should reflect Christian care and love, and they have.

I have got to some rugby matches in Ravenhill and this has made an impression on me. I remember hearing some girls mock the referee during a game. They shouted playfully 'the referee's an onion.' I reckoned that being called an onion was as good as it gets for referees, compared to the foul abuse they have to suffer elsewhere. Maybe I am naive but I believe that the innocence of the atmosphere in Ravenhill reflects, in part, something of a culture that has been blessed with wonderful church run youth clubs, Boys/Girls Brigade etc.

There is a type of evangelicalism that is strong in Northern Ireland that I deeply respect. I know that there has been a dark side to the church here but there is also a very bright side. The church that I am currently involved in is one that I would happily invite any of my southern friends to come and see. It is a warm, caring and welcoming community. The sort of evangelicalism that has impressed me has been that with a real desire to be faithful to the Bible and keen to see people coming to faith in Jesus. Indeed travel the world and you will see how evangelicals from Northern Ireland have contributed to the global church.

I am not a big fan of patriotism, I tend to think that patriots are naive about the faults of their own land, and that Christians are strangers and pilgrims in every land. When I first came here I rather competitively wanted to see the south as superior to the north. I love the south, it is a great home. Yet I have come to appreciate both the north and south as having unique strengths, many weaknesses, and much in common.

Note: Looking back over what I have written I realise that I should point out that I have meet great people from different sides of the community. However this blog has focused on those I have worked among most, the much maligned Northern Prods.