wfn.org | Christian center works for healing in Belfast, beyond

[NewsDesk <NewsDesk@UMCOM.ORG>]

Oct. 4, 2001 News media contact: Linda Bloom7(212)870-38037New York
10-21-71B{448}

NOTE: This is a sidebar to UMNS story #446.

By Kathleen LaCamera*

BELFAST, Northern Ireland (UMNS) -- Corrymeela is a Christian community that
believes in reconciliation.

This community of hope has grown out of a society whose hatred and sectarian
bigotry have led many to view Northern Ireland as a place that will never
know peace. For 36 years, Methodists have joined with those from other
Christian traditions at Corrymeela to build new relationships of
understanding and trust.  

A Presbyterian minister and former World War II prisoner of war, the Rev.
Ray Davey, and his wife, Kathleen, started the community in 1965. Today,
Corrymeela not only is committed to healing the divisions in Northern
Ireland, but also to healing divisions throughout the world. 

The broad range of Corrymeela's work includes projects with schools, young
people, women's groups, bereaved families and those with family members in
prison. Every year, 12 volunteers live and work at the center in
Ballycastle, doing everything from washing dishes to running the center's
program.

Four hundred short-term summer and weekend volunteers also take part in a
wide range of activities, including arts and crafts, recreation, worship,
housekeeping and transportation. The Knocklayd retreat center provides space
for groups to meet. 

Trevor Williams, Corrymeela's director, said the community is committed to
finding a "model for cooperation" out of the work at their centers. Over the
years, he added, they have learned how important it is to provide a safe
place where people can share their stories; both the good things and the bad
things that happen to them.

In addition to its work in the ongoing process of reconciliation in Northern
Ireland, Corrymeela has been called on to consult with groups in Bosnia,
Kosovo and Rwanda.

"We find that when we talk about the lessons learned in Northern Ireland,
people make connections with their experience in their part of the world,"
Williams explained. 

More information about Corrymeela and opportunities for volunteering or
supporting its work is available at www.corrymeela.org.uk online.

      # # #

*LaCamera is a UMNS correspondent based in England.

*************************************
United Methodist News Service
Photos and stories also available at:
http://umns.umc.org