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REV KAREN: Ground has shifted further post-election

THE election has highlighted that our times are shifting and changing.Interestingly, after the results, I read comments such as “We are no closer to a United Ireland.” However, no-one can deny that a border poll (whatever the time-frame) is up ahead. If Brexit has taught us anything, it has taught us the importance of careful planning. Of course, there will always be the naysayers who will tell us that we should instead be focusing on making the North work. However, I do not believe we have to choose between one or the other. In other words, we can work on improving our everyday living, as well as considering our future. Conversations regarding the future of our island are growing and in the Ireland’s Future team, we have been campaigning for the UK and Irish government to convene a Citizens’ Assembly, a vehicle through which our people (North and South) can come together to discuss, plan and deliberate. So why am I passionate about this? • Because I believe this conversation must not only be ‘politically-led,’ but also ‘people-led’. •Because I am passionate that we hear all voices from all backgrounds. •Because I believe there are people in the middle-ground who want to be convinced that a New Ireland is the way forward, and we must cast the vision. •Because I believe we have the opportunity to make our home a better place to live.Sometimes I get a few folks telling me that because I am a Minister I should stay out of politics. I don’t agree. Let’s remember: Jesus was political. Jesus always chose a side. Jesus always sided with the most vulnerable, the marginalised, the oppressed, the sick, the poor, and spoke truth to those in power who refused to rule on their behalf. Jesus advocated and served. Therefore, I feel it is important that I (along with many others) place my shoulder to the wheel of creating a New Ireland. The Irish and UK government can no longer ignore the rising voices longing for something new. The time is now for the setting up of a Citizens’ Assembly. Let’s do this!

REV KAREN: The damage that’s done by unforgiveness

I HAVE been thinking recently about the question Peter asked Jesus: “How many times do I forgive a brother or sister who hurts me? Seven?” Jesus replied: “Try seventy times seven.” (Matthew 18:21-22). I often wonder why Peter asked this question. Maybe, he (like so many of us) was experiencing a season of feeling constantly hurt and disappointed by others. I can’t help feel a sense of ‘fed-up-ness’ in his questioning.

REV KAREN: Why we should appreciate the power of friends

LAST week I was invited to attend the Community Iftar in Dublin, hosted by the Irish Muslim Peace and Integration Council. This special event was held to mark the end of the Ramadan fast. It was such an honour to join a host of guests in spending time with our Muslim brothers and sisters. I was blown away by their welcome, hospitality, and sense of community. As they prayed, we (as the guests) were invited to stand and observe. I confess I have never attended a Muslim gathering before, and what struck me was their devotion to worship, led by my good friend, Shaykh Dr Umar Al-Qadri. After their time of worship we were served food. The atmosphere was fantastic with lots of conversations taking place, and I loved how the gathering included the children. I also loved the verse shared from the Qur’an for our reflection: “We created you… so that you might know one another.” There is just something about the power of friendship, particularly friendships with people from different backgrounds and cultures. I have always shared my vision of Ireland becoming a ‘Nation of Neighbours’ – a home for all of us that is fair, equal, diverse and inclusive. There is no doubt that events such as the Community Iftar are an example of what it means to live as neighbours. It was an honour to be invited. This special evening reminded me that we don’t need to: •Come from the same background/communities•Think the same way•Believe the same things•Have the same ideas•Or always agree Friendships are simply built on respecting each other’s stories and accepting people for who they are. I have come to realise that my role as a Minister is not to impose my faith on others; my faith is not superior. I’m reminded of the words of Nelson Mandela: “Where you stand depends on where you sit.” We must always seek to see things from other people’s perspective/vantage point. I truly believe this is how we live out what it means to be a Nation of Neighbours. Friends, let’s be willing to get up from where we sit and go and sit in the seat of others – let’s hear their stories, let’s listen to each other, let’s learn and unlearn from each other, and let’s continue to extend the hand of friendship. I join with my Muslim friends and invite us to ‘know one another’.

REV KAREN: In search of answers to painful questions

I WONDER how this Easter season was for you? I have loved reading various social media posts sharing stories of Easter eggs, trips away, church celebrations, and also of those taking time out to light a candle (or two). Yet, in the midst of all this, my thoughts and prayers are with and for the family of Lyra McKee. It’s hard to believe that this young woman was taken from us three years ago. Three years of heartache for her partner, Sara Canning. Three years of grief for her family and friends. Three years of wondering: where is the justice? In addition to this, my thoughts are with and for the precious family of Noah Donohoe. I have to be honest, I have often wondered, why has his story been rarely covered by the media? Why do I constantly see his mama and family having to appeal for help (over and over again) with regards to what happened to her lovely son on that hazy June 2020 evening? I don’t have the answers, but my heart aches. They deserve answers.Also over this Easter season, the horrific news broke of the brutal murders in County Sligo of two of our precious LGBT+ community: Michael Snee and Aidan Moffitt. Completely heart-breaking. Such stories are a gentle reminder that the Easter Story continues in our everyday lives. Stories of pain, suffering, injustice, hurt and oppression. Let’s remember that when Jesus hung on the cross, He cried out: “My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?’”(Luke 27:46). Jesus exclaimed: “Why?” I believe God can handle our questioning, wonderings and feelings of abandonment, He can handle our whys? •Why did this happen?•Why has there been no justice?•Why such pain and brokenness?•Why did this happen to me/us? Friends, the Easter story lives on today; in our everyday challenge to stand up and speak out for the marginalised, oppressed, rejected and abandoned. May we, as people of faith, be voices of hope, healing and love.May we be a people who live out the Easter story in our everyday lives.

REV KAREN: So much we can learn from the Easter story

I LOVE Easter. I love taking the time during Holy Week to pause and reflect on the final days of Jesus’ life: His arrival in Jerusalem not on a horse (which would have been a symbol of power and authority) but on a donkey; His example of grace and humility as He washed the feet of the disciples (while they bickered amongst themselves about who would be the greatest); sharing a meal with a bunch of oddballs and misfits (whom he knew would betray and deny him). Isn’t it interesting that Jesus doesn’t retaliate or condemn those seeking to betray, deny or even kill him? Instead, he cries out “Father, forgive them.” This is grace. This is such amazing grace that I often find it hard to comprehend. In fact, if you remember when Jesus was being arrested, Peter (in what appears to be A defence of Jesus) drew his sword and cut off the ear of the soldier. I love how Jesus rebuked Peter and said “No more of this,” as he healed the soldier’s ear (Luke 22). There’s just something about the Easter story that highlights:• Humility, instead of power.• Serving others, instead of ruling over others.• Including, instead of excluding.• Forgiveness, instead of revenge.• Hope, instead of hopelessness• Love, instead of hate. For me, this is the gospel. The word ‘gospel’ simply means ‘good news.’ This week I read of a visiting American Pastor who is known for claiming 9/11 was caused by homosexuality and abortion, who is a champion of patriarchy, and claims that feminism brings a curse of God to our nation, and even announced that “the gates of hell’’ are to be found at Craigavon Hospital. Is this good news? Friends, the Easter story reminds us that the gospel message is about grace, peace, freedom, forgiveness, hope, inclusion and love. Jesus said: “I have come that you may have life, and life to the full.” (John 10:10). If our words are not life-giving, and instead we use scripture as a weapon to hurt, wound and tear others apart, then we are no different to Peter who injured the soldier. Like Jesus, we must say “No more of this.” Instead, let’s choose to walk the path Jesus walked. Grab a coffee and reread the Easter story; there are so many treasures to be found.Have a blessed Easter.

REV KAREN: Our Trans community must not be excluded

I GREW up in the Church, and from an early age I was sent to church and Sunday School. On one hand, I met good people and had great friendships, but on the other hand, I was taught certain things to believe concerning the Bible, God, and life. One of the things I was taught from a very young age was that homosexuality is a sin. I confess I never questioned this, simply because I had no cause to, but then I remember in my late teens a friend coming out as gay. Not only do I remember him sharing that he tried many times to “pray away the gay,” but I also remember how the Church treated him; he had no choice but to leave. I truly believe that no human being deserved to be treated the way he was.

REV KAREN: Say no during Lent and find a little stillness

WE are well into our Lenten journey. Lent provides us with the opportunity to listen for God’s voice, to seek His presence and transformation.

REV KAREN: Welcoming strangers is a gospel imperative

IT is difficult not to feel anxious or overwhelmed as news of the war on Ukraine continues to dominate our headline, isn’t it? I have been so moved to hear of countries such as Poland, Hungary, Romania, Moldova and even the South of Ireland open up their borders to provide a safe place for the many refugees. However, it is alarming that in the midst of approximately 1.7 million refugees, the UK Government (to date) have only issued 50 visas. Yes, you read that correctly – 50 visas. I think it is safe to say that the UK Government are not ‘Leading the World’ with regards to humanitarian response. Rather, it would appear that the rich are getting richer, while the poor are getting poorer.

REV KAREN: Amidst the fear and dread, a night for peace

WHAT a week. Just when we were starting to emerge from the pandemic wilderness, news began to break concerning Russia invading Ukraine. We have barely had the time to recover or catch our breath, and yet here we are once again, faced with fear, dread and a cold breeze of uncertainty as we glance into the unknown. It is true that sometimes when we feel as though there is a shining light of hope at the end of a dark tunnel, it can instead feel as though it is another oncoming train. Life is indeed fragile, and there are many things that are completely out of our control. As we remain glued to the scenes from Ukraine and threats from Putin, we are reminded that the world once again feels a very unsafe place. Yet toward the end of the week of this breaking news, a few hundred of us, invited by the Lord Mayor of Belfast, Kate Nicholl, gathered together in Belfast City Hall for her ‘Connecting Our Belfast’ dinner. The evening was vibrant, inclusive and hope-filled as we were entertained by harpist Ursula Burns, treated to a ‘Belfast Love Story’ by the fabulous Richard O’Leary, and not forgetting the outstanding poem written and read by Nandi Jola. We are keepers of this universeInterconnected by UbuntuThe Arch Desmond Tutu taught us what a rainbow nation isNow let us reside in one love. To the new BelfastA City of Sanctuary to manyA place of hope and dreams to othersLet us build more bridgesAnd a better future than the past. As Nandi shared her poem, I once again caught a glimpse of hope. I glanced around a room filled with people from across our city who will not give up on peace and who are the very reason why we should never give up on peace. In the midst of the wounded, suffering, grieving, frightened, displaced, homeless, hiding and the hurting across our world – there are people of peace. • People of peace, involved in negotiations.• People of peace providing aid for the most affected.• People of peace opening up their borders to welcome refugees.• People of peace crowding the streets in countries across our world shouting ‘No to war!’• People of peace, here in Belfast, who recognise there is no ‘us and them’ – but rather, ‘us for them’.• People of peace who love people. Now is the time for a politics of peace, compassion, kindness, grace, acceptance and the recognition that we are neighbours. The dinner reminded me that we are a great people of hope, grace and peace. Yes, things are difficult, but recognise there is hope even in the midst of the pain. Blessed are the peacemakers!

REV KAREN: International Women's Day a chance to cherish and celebrate our sisters

Life as a minister can get fairly busy at times. So I always welcome an opportunity to sit quietly and listen to others.

Let’s all talk about criticism and pray to God to strengthen our weak knees

WE are all familiar with the old saying ‘If you can’t take the heat, then maybe you should get out of the kitchen.’ In other words, criticism is a given, so deal with it. To a certain extent this may be true, as criticism exists in all arenas of life, and let’s be honest, we are all guilty of dishing it out. However, there is a difference between healthy, constructive criticism and being mean-spirited. You only need to be on social media to encounter those who are hell-bent on making themselves look tall by making others feel small. I think if we don’t like somebody or their posts, then perhaps we should simply stay off their timeline, and also avoid the temptation to send unpleasant private messages. In other words, stay out of their space. I have learnt to ignore negative people and I’ve adopted a ‘block and roll’ approach, which means I generally block anyone who is abusive.

REV KAREN: Show up, hold on to hope

LAST week there was a cold chill across our communities as the news broke of the DUP standing down their First Minister over the Protocol. I am in no doubt that there are genuine concerns with regards to the Protocol that need worked through, but I am more concerned about the sense of hopelessness from our people. A sense of ‘here we go again’ gripped many of our hearts. Why? Because the majority of people are more concerned about our health service, paying their bills, unemployment and the legalisation still waiting to be passed; not forgetting our victims of historical abuse who still await an apology.

Rev Karen: We must be allowed to recover from failure

I think we were all shocked, stunned and disappointed at recent revelations concerning the social media accounts of some politicians. No-one can doubt that politics (especially in the run up to an election) can sometimes get dirty and messy, and if there is dirt to be found, someone, somewhere out there will always find it. We are right to be disappointed, and we should be disgusted by the comments. After all, leadership is about integrity, honesty and paving a better way for us – right? We all long for leaders to lead the way, to mean what they say, and in a sense to ‘practice what they preach’. But as I watched people’s anger on display, I couldn’t help but be reminded that leaders are human too.

REV KAREN: Strong women are paving the way for change

WHEN I first stepped into ministry life, I remember a mentor saying. “Welcome to the Boys’ Club.” I knew exactly what she meant. The reality is that since I was a young girl, I was taught that women are to be silent and not to have a place at the Church leadership table. I didn’t know anything different and so, looking back, I guess I accepted (and submitted) to this particular teaching of the Church.

REV KAREN: Interpreting the message of that Belfast crest

WHEN I was Chaplain to the Lord Mayor of Belfast, I remember one afternoon strolling around the Belfast City Hall spending time captivated by the magnificent buildings and artwork. What immediately caught my attention was the Belfast Crest (also referred to as the Béal Feirste Seal) drawn by the artist John Vinycomb. History informs us that the coat of arms dates back to the 17th century, and was presented to the City by the Ulster King of Arms when Belfast achieved town status. The crest consists of a ship and two seahorses (most likely depicting the shipping culture of the day), as well as a bell and a chained wolf-hound. But what stood out to me was the Latin phrase ‘Pro Tanto Quid Retribuamus’ translated in various ways. For example, ‘What shall I render unto the Lord for all his benefits towards me?’ or ‘What shall we give back in return for so much?’ This stems back to Psalm 116 (verse 12). This particular psalm centres on thanksgiving. The Psalmist not only recognises there is a God, but acknowledges His presence every day; the God who listens, shows mercy, compassion, who is on the side of the helpless, and seeks to rescue and shower with blessings. It is as if the writer is overwhelmed by the greatness of God, and in the midst of his scrabbling for words, he cries out: ‘What shall we give back in return for so much?’ I have no idea why this particular verse was chosen as the motto of our great city. I confess I get nervous at any sniff of scripture being weaponised, but I believe God wants us on HIS side: His side of grace, mercy, compassion, kindness, love for neighbour and so on. However, there is something redemptive and healing about reclaiming these words for today. We must bear in mind that Psalm 116 belongs to a collective of thanksgiving psalms, known as the ‘Egyptian Hallel’ (Hallel meaning ‘praise) and was used in the celebration of the Passover. Passover is a Jewish celebration of God’s people being rescued from slavery and oppression (the story of Exodus). In response, the Psalmist vows to “lift up the cup of Salvation”. Today, God is still on the side of the oppressed and longs for people to be liberated. Furthermore, the psalmist recognises his total dependence on God, and promises to complete what God has called him to do. Yes, our city crest contains symbols from our past, but I also believe it is connected to our present day, as God still longs to rescue and liberate us. We have been through so much and we live with different backgrounds and narratives. I pray as a city we will keep rescuing and liberating people. I pray we can be a people of His kindness, mercy and compassion, wanting the best for each other. Let’s keep rebuilding, restoring, repairing and reviving our great city.

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Rev Karen Sethuraman

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