Forum to explore good relations in Carrickfergus during workshops

The programme will consider the relevance of the church in today’s community with its “many tensions and needs”.

It is being sponsored by Mid and East Antrim Good Relations. The programme will ask if the churches’ message of peace and reconciliation be “effectively lived out into a changing community”.

Carrickfergus Church Forum is preparing to welcome Derek Poole, an experienced church and community facilitator who will lead four interative workshops.

He has trained in mediation, conflict resolution, group dynamics and leadership development and has initiated a range ofleadership development and grass roots programmes addressing the nature and causes of the conflict in Northern Ireland.

He has travelled internationally lecturing in “Perspectives on Peace-building” and holds a BA Hons Degree in Theology and an MA Distinction in Irish Studies.

The first session will consider inter-generational peace-building and what has already been achieved; the second session will examine cross-community relationships and building mutual trust and confidence.

The third session will address legacy issues of the “conflict” in a multi-cultural society and the fourth week will consider the role of the church in the peace-building process, justice and reconciliation and identifying good relations needs in the Carrick area.