From 2001-2013 I lived and worked in Belfast and taught on a Master’s degree on Reconciliation Studies offered by the Irish School of Ecumenics, Trinity College Dublin. The Belfast (or Good Friday) Agreement of April 1998 was an important political settlement but social reconciliation in a divided society remained a challenge. During my time in Belfast I learnt much about the importance of peace, justice, truth, memory, trauma, and transformation in the aftermath of conflict. My writings on reconciliation seek to address the complexity of these challenges and the theological resources that can help or hinder a constructive and sustainable approach. I discuss the positive role that churches can have in promoting reconciliation as well as the dangers of ‘cheap reconciliation’ and different views on forgiveness.

See further…

• The chapter on ‘Public Theology and Reconciliation’ (2017).

• The paper for the Corrymeela Community of Reconciliation in Northern Ireland, on ‘The Meaning of Reconciliation’ (2013). 

• The book (co-edited with Joseph Liechty), Explorations in Reconciliation: New Directions in Theology (2006).

• Links to other publications through the links at the top of this page.