A history of conflict ... For centuries upon centuries, Northern Ireland has been divided by cultural, historical and religious conflicts. Misunderstanding and violence created suspicions and fears between communities, dividing people from each other along those religious, cultural and historical differences.

In Belfast where different communites border each other, tensions flared. High walls ... ironcially called Peace Walls ... were built between the communities. Even today, when we cheer the Berlin Walls coming down, the Belfast Walls remain.

Progress is being made in Belfast. Political parties from both sides of the conflict are in a unified government. But the history of misunderstanding remains.

Why we go ...St. Luke's United Methodist Church has been in mission relationship in Belfast, North Ireland for more than 12 years. Teams of youths and adults have visited our mission partners to be in prayer and presence with our friends in Belfast who are working in both Protestant and Catholic communities attempting to build bridges of understanding and reconciliation. We bring home their insights of peacebuilding and the spiritual transformation within us, and try to build a better community here at home.