The Presbyterian Church in Ireland marked the centenary of the creation of Northern Ireland and the partition of Ireland in 1921 with a special event at its Union Theological College, which in 1921, became the first home of the Parliament of Northern Ireland.
Entitled, ’On these Steps’, the all-Ireland denomination wanted to mark the centenaries by acknowledging the role that its College played in the momentous events of 100 years ago. The Church also had a broader aim beyond the commemorative, in that it sought to create space to hear different perspectives and build relationships, by bringing people together to reflect on the island’s past, while looking in hope to a shared future.
Recognising the diversity of views around this significant anniversary, the Church invited civic and political representatives from across the UK and Ireland, including Ireland’s church leaders, who heard the Moderator, Rt Rev Dr Bruce, give a reflective address that spoke to all traditions represented at the event. Ian McBride, the Foster Professor of Irish History at the University of Oxford, brought a historical perspective. The Principal of Union Theological College, Rev Professor Gordon Campbell acted as MC.
You can watch the recorded Livestream of the event here:
| Section |
Participants |
Approx timings |
| Introduction |
Rev Professor Gordon Campbell, principal of Union Theological College |
10:35 to 16:58 |
| Historical Reflection |
Professor Ian McBride, Foster Professor of Irish History, University of Oxford
|
16:59 to 41:25 |
|
Music & Drama
|
Specially commissioned song by the Belfast- based indie singer-songwriter, Ferna
King George V’s address to the Northern Ireland Parliament, spoken by actor, Jim Allen
|
41:49 to 47:14
47:16 to 56:56
|
|
Address
|
Rt Rev Dr David Bruce, Moderator of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland
|
57:51 to 1:26:02 |
|
Political reflections
|
Simon Coveney TD, Ireland’s Minister for Foreign Affairs
Rt Hon Conor Burns MP, Northern Ireland Office Minister of State
Paul Givan MLA, First Minister of Northern Ireland
Declan Kearney MLA, Junior Minister (representing the deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland, Michelle O’Neill MLA)
|
1:28:22 to 1:35:26
1:35:27 to 1:41:03
1:41:11 to 1:46:33
1:46:41 to 1:53:07
|
|
Political discussion
|
Remarks following their individual reflections by the elected representatives chaired by Judith Hill |
1:53:12 to 2:21:06 |
| Closing remarks & prayer |
Rt Rev Dr David Bruce, Moderator of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland |
2:21:12 to 2:24:53 |
Media relations around the event