Media Release 24 June 2002 (for immediate issue)
Wellingtonian Rev Glenn Barclay has returned to Wellington after living out a vision of peace in Northern Ireland. For the last four years she lived with other Christian people as a resident leader of an ecumenical community of reconciliation in Belfast.
Located in North Belfast, within an area of violent flashpoints, and where children are often sectarian by the age of three, the Columbanus Community, of which she was a member, was not popular for its stand. "Living together as Catholics and Protestants was a threat to many in the neighbourhood because of loyalties that most people had to either their political groupings or denominations," said Rev Barclay, a Presbyterian Minister. It appeared she was targeted as her car was stolen or vandalised 5 times.
Being a Kiwi woman in Belfast opened some doors; while closing others. "Some were hostile to the idea of a female minister. But on the other hand others, particularly women, felt that they could trust me with their stories and pain," said Rev Barclay.
Visiting Ireland on study leave in 1998, Rev Barclay was drawn to working with the Columbanus Community of Reconciliation. Established in 1983 by a Jesuit Priest and church leaders of key denominations, Columbanus is a residential community with both Protestant and Catholic members. "The Community has modelled the kind of place Ireland could be, with different factions living in harmony," Rev Barclay explained. "My experiences show that the way of peace is possible, but it will be hard work. Amongst some it will be many years before true integration and acceptance occurs." The Community is supported by people all over the world desiring peace in Northern Ireland.
Initially administrator and deputy leader Rev Barclay rose to the position of Community Director, which offered her many opportunities for high level peace work. In her time as leader she met many political and religious leaders, such as Prince Charles, Dr John Reid (Northern Ireland Secretary), Mary McAleese (President of the Republic of Ireland), and Nobel Peace Prize winners, the Dalai Lama, Bishop Desmond Tutu, Mairead Corrigan Maguire and First Minister of Stormont Parliament, David Trimble. "There was a lot of goodwill from all sides towards Prince Charles' offer to be a medium of reconciliation for Northern Ireland," said Rev Barclay.
Presently Northern Ireland is experiencing some of the worst violence for a decade. Yet Rev Barclay remains hopeful: "Getting to know the wide range of people involved in cross-community peace work, knowing them personally and hearing the stories of change - this is where hope lies."
Now back in New Zealand Glenn wishes to continue to work for peace in North Ireland. "New Zealanders have much to offer the Irish and they in turn have much to teach us. I'd like to facilitate such meetings where experiences can be shared".
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