Protestant Identity and Peace in Northern Ireland [Hardcover]

Based on interview material with a wide range of Protestant clergy in Northern Ireland, this book examines how Protestant identity impacts on the possibility of peace and stability and argues for greater involvement by the Protestant churches in the transition from conflict to a 'post-conflict' Northern Ireland.Acknowledgements Introduction Protestant History and Imagination Evangelicalism, Presbyterianism and Protestant Church Identity in Northern Ireland Dealing with Peace through Forgiveness and Reconciliation The Catholic Outlook Ecumenism: A Case Study of the Inter-Church Group on Faith and Politics Christianity in a 'Post-conflict' Northern Ireland Conclusion Bibliography Index

'Graham Spencer has brought us an important and thoughtful contribution with regard to 'Protestant Identity and Peace in Northern Ireland'. It is a challenging read and, I believe, will encourage the reader to critically review how they relate propositional truth in the process of loving our neighbour and living peacefully in our shared space.' - Rt Rev Dr Ivan Patterson, Moderator, Presbyterian Church in Ireland, UK

'Graham Spencer's work to date has made a vital contribution to understanding the complexities and struggles that pervade the transition from conflict to post-conflict society in Northern Ireland. Here, Graham makes the case for a greater involvement by the churches in dialogue, reinforcing progress made in the political realm. The testimony he elicits from Protestant clergy reveals a multi-layered picture of identity, but the argument he puts forward for transforming exclusive narratives into inclusive ones is a compelling and profound one. This is a necessary work for understanding the role of the churches in Northern Ireland today.' - Duncan Morrow, Chief Executive Officer of the Northern Ireland Community Relations Council, UK

'As a well-informed objective observer, Graham Spencer provides a 'not-before-time' challenge to lƒ3