Church of Ireland launches report on border Protestants

The Church of Ireland's anti-sectarian Hard Gospel Project is to launch a ground-breaking new report on Thursday looking at the views and experiences of border Protestants living in the Diocese of Clogher.

The report, entitled 'Whatever You Say, Say Nothing', will be launched by the Bishop of Clogher, the Rt Rev Michael Jackson, and the Director of the Hard Gospel Project, the Rev Earl Storey, at the Clogher Diocesan Synod.

The report seeks to encourage members of the Protestant and Church of Ireland community to share their personal experiences of 'the Troubles' and their experience of the church during the last thirty years. It also attempts to articulate to the wider community how they see its role in sustaining the community in the future, and to contribute to building a peaceful community by enabling members of the Church of Ireland to engage with other communities to address difficult issues.

The study's author, David Gardiner, said, "This report is a social enquiry, an exploration and examination of how personal, social, cultural, religious and political beliefs and personal experiences influence people's attitudes, behaviours and outlook on life."

Speaking ahead of the report's launch, Rev Storey said, "Part of the power of the project is that it happened. This report addresses a difficult and immensely painful period. It does so in a way that is honest and that seeks to be constructive. I believe that it enables experiences to be voiced in a way that will be heard by other parts of the community. It is one of the most important initiatives that the Hard Gospel Project has been involved with. We are immensely grateful to all those who shared their experiences and thoughts."

Bishop Jackson said that Clogher Diocese had broken fresh ground "in the quest for understanding and mutual respect in the asking 'the invisible questions'.

"I have every confidence that, while particular to Clogher Diocese, it will resonate by its honesty of its insight into every corner of the Church of Ireland and beyond," he said.