ABSTRACT

In this chapter I will place the discussion of ‘forgiveness and reconciliation’ in the discrete reality of Northern Ireland by highlighting the work of The ClonardFitzroy Fellowship. I will first try to untangle some of the problems of writing about this bitter conflict. Secondly, most of this chapter will present the story of an extraordinary friendship – between Ken Newell, a Presbyterian minister, and Gerry Reynolds, a Catholic priest – that has had considerable impact in society and in churches in Ireland. In particular, we will focus on the progeny of this friendship, the award-winning Clonard-Fitzroy Fellowship.