The Moderator of the General Assembly found a recent dedication with clergy of other denominations of the final stage of house building at Glencairn, Belfast, of great interest and it convinced him, as it must all, of what can be done by Protestants and Catholics in co-operation.
The Glencairn project to build 16 houses was launched in May 1998 by a cross-community Christian group with the unwieldy title Habitat for Humanity, Northern Ireland. The intention of this housing charity is the "self-building" of simple, affordable houses in partnership with low-income families and volunteers. The project began with a "blitz build" in 1998, when a challenge to build four houses in two weeks was well and truly met.
During three years of building work, more than 1,500 Protestants and Catholics volunteered for work on the site, and more than 58 churches in Belfast and its environs took part in "Building in Faith" weeks.
Leaders say the project is not just about building houses; an aim is also to restore hope, empower individuals and build peaceful communities. A service of thanksgiving in St Andrew's Church of Ireland was held after the dedication.
Already, thanksgiving services for harvest are announced and preparations (choral and other) are being made in the churches. Christian Aid annually sees this time as occasion for an even more special appeal. As well, it provides free worship material likely to challenge the imagination and generosity of congregations. The material this year is entitled "A Full Measure of Over-Flowing" and includes ideas for adults, children's educational materials, activities for all-age worship and fund-raising suggestions with the theme "Sesame Seed Harvest". Through this material, Christian Aid hopes to promote thanks for harvest in Achupa, Nicaragua, conjoined with thanks for harvest locally.
In that region in Nicaragua, sesame oil production has increased an astonishing six-fold because of hard work and a mechanical press supplied by Christian Aid, it is reported. This oil production supplies a regular income in Achupa, and through the agency of a co-operative it also provides its members with access to health clinics, knowledge of improved ways of growing crops, water pumps and other aids. Christian Aid resource materials are available free from Christian Aid, Christ Church, Rathgar Road, Dublin 6.
The horror of the terrorists' attacks on the towers of the World Trade Centre in New York City and the putative responsibility of Islamic fundamentalists have focused Islam in the public mind, often with lack of knowledge and grievous misunderstanding threatening peace in communities, even some in Ireland.
The non-specialist is helpfully referred to the inexpensive Religions of the World, a HarperCollins Gem Publication (£4.99 sterling). The book is by "expert authenticators and contributors". Within fewer than 30 pages, attractively presented, with content easily assimilated, Islam is described in such a way as no one could misunderstand. There is a comprehensive glossary replete with references such as Sunnis, Shiahs, Quran, Hajj, Ramadan and more, for fuller understanding. Apart from the need for understanding precipitated by the current crisis, Christians must be encouraged to study comparative religion when it is increasingly clear that we live in a multi-faith world. Religions of the World is the perfect vade mecum.
Dr Margot Kassman, the first woman bishop, we are informed, in the Evangelisch-lutherische LΣnderskirche Hannovers will visit Ireland from September 28th to 30th at the invitation of the Dublin-German community. She will speak in the Irish School of Ecumenics, Milltown Park, on Friday 28th at 8 p.m. on "Overcoming Violence". All are welcome.