Corrymeela Connections is the magazine of the Corrymeela community. This is a dispersed community of people of all ages and Christian traditions who individually and together are committed to the healing of social, religious and political divisions in Northern Ireland and throughout the world.
It is intended that Connections will appear three times annually. The January/April and May/ August numbers have already appeared and encouraging comments which we heartily endorse have been received by the editorial committee.
Among the features in volume 1 are articles on "Drumcree - Parades and Protests" by Mr Peter Andersen, a local who seeks to explain the history and the mystery of Drumcree. The Rev Norman Taggart, former president of the Methodist Church, in "Be Reconciled" writes on the Christian call to reconciliation. The Rev John Morrow's address on Corrymeela Sunday 1999 in Ripon cathedral, Yorkshire is also included.
In the second number, Andy Pollak of The Irish Times surely prompts bridling or disturbing reflection by some on his comment in "No Barren Creed".
He writes: " Churches in Northern Ireland have always acted largely as chaplains of their tribes. They have had little contact with or regard for the `other side' apart from occasional joint appearances by mainstream church leaders and gatherings of a small minority of people who are ecumenically minded.
"With a few notable exceptions, those leaders have always seemed afraid to take on the dangerous, prophetic task of confessing their churches' complicity in injustice and reaching out for forgiveness and real dialogue on equal terms on either side."
Also in the second issue, there is a saddening account of "The Cost of the Troubles" by Mr Will Rutherford, a consultant and emergency department of the Royal Victoria hospital in the 1970s.
Connections is sent to all Friends of Corrymeela. One becomes a friend with a subscription of £15 per annum with home address to Corrymeela House, 8 Upper Crescent, Belfast, Northern Ireland, BT7 INT.
The Corrymeela Community observes a Corrymeela Sunday each year. A tradition is for this to be held the Sunday before St Patrick's Day but it may be observed any Sunday in March or when best suits church or group. Churches are invited to make application for the Corrymeela Sunday pack for 2000 with prayer card and information about the community. Applications are to Corrymeela House as above.
An early announcement is made of a week of celebration in Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin from the June 18th-24th, 2000, to mark the beginning of the third millennium since the birth of Christ. A liturgical reception on the evening of June 18th will begin the festival. Next morning the President, Mrs McAleese, will officially open the festival.
The organisers wish to emphasise that the festival will not be for academics only. Young and old, musical and not so musical, conventional or radical, all will find opportunity for active participation at this national, international and ecumenical venture.
A Christmas fair with cakes, bric-a-brac, gifts, books etc will be held this morning from 10.30 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. in the Malahide Presbyterian church.
On Sunday evening last, November 28th, Cardonagh Presbyterian church in Donegal was opened - after substantial refurbishment - by the Moderator of the Genrela Assembly, the Rt Rev Dr John Lockington. The refurbishment cost over £40,000, most of which was borne by the congregation of 40 families with some assistance from the Home Mission. Dr Lap pin, the Minister, said the refurbishment would greatly facilitate Christian service in the area.