Ireland has been called a country which has been at war with itself for eight centuries, separated by culture, politics, and religion. Since 1921, there have been two political units:
THE REPUBLIC OF IRELAND
- an independent Nation, predominantly native Irish, Catholic and, though
hampered at times by economic problems, mostly peaceful.
NORTHERN IRELAND
- Six Counties of the Province of Ulster located in the northeast corner
of the island, and still a part of the United Kingdom. It is here that the
polarization of two factions comes most sharply into focus in the form of
politically directed violence and isolation by religious community.
The terms "Catholic" and "Protestant", used in the context of Northern Ireland, designate sides of a political conflict (telescoped into religious terms) rather than doctrinal controversy within the Christian faith.
CATHOLIC designates one who is of the indigenous Irish population, Catholic, a member of a large minority discriminated against in housing, employment, and opportunity, politically "left" wishing to unite Ireland outside the United Kingdom.
PROTESTANT, on the other hand, means those who, though their families may have lived in Ireland for centuries, are labeled "foreigners" loyal to their British roots, Protestant. a member of the ruling class, fearful of what the loss of their majority might mean, politically "right", seeking to preserve their ethos by keeping Northern Ireland a part of the United Kingdom.
Exploitation by militant radicals of old animosities has so complicated the socio-political scene that there is little hope of any just solution resulting from the present partisan approach. The "Catholic/Protestant" line has been drawn so sharply that peaceful communication across it is almost non-existent in many areas of life. The fragile Cease-Fires which took effect in late 1994 have stopped the bullets, bombs and mortars, but not the violent beatings. Real peace has yet to come to Northern Ireland, but the Ulster Project is building bridges across the divisions.
The "Teens" who will come from Northern Ireland as a part of the Ulster Project were born into a "battle-zone" situation where armed patrols in full combat gear on the streets seemed normal. In some areas Teenagers do not make friends with those of the opposite faith for fear of reprisal from one or both sides.
Clearly a need exists for the fostering of tolerance, understanding and friendship between these groups.
Even if you do not qualify to be a Host Family, you can be a part of the Ulster Project by contributing funds, services, volunteer work and other areas to help receive and care for these Teens in our area next Summer.
Anyone on our list of contacts can provide additional Host Family and general Ulster Project information.
For some background on the Project click History.