In a prevoius discussion it was asked why do we think secterianism is on the rise?. I think with demographic changes in the GG area expectations have changed over the years. Where as in the past the catholic community tended to "keep their head down" this has changed and there is a feeling that their cultural identity should be given equality of esteem and the expectation is that shared spaces should be neutral. This is of course seen as eroding the the identity of the protestant community. The challenge is to create an environment where everyone feels valued.
In the past in this area there was some mixing of all sections of the community, I remember fondly the Roller Disco in glengormley for instance. The integrated schools are an exception however, today all activity seems to be centred around the churches with little opportunity for mixing is extremely limited and the separation still exists.
So what are the problems and what do I think the priorities for this forum should be? I can not believe that anyone who attends any of the churches is actually involved in antisocial behaviour or secterianism. The problem therefor I would suggest is not a church or religious one, but one of a sense of identity. Often here it is not enough to celebrate and have pride in ones own sense of identity, without putting down the identity of those who have a diffrent view ( I see this with Liverpool and Manchester united supporters, it is not enough to support one club without disliking the other!). The ultimate goal would be a shared community where not only that we respect each others identity but value this unique shared heritage. The difficulty will be in a inter-denominational church group influencing in a positive way those who attend no church. Focus needs not only be given on activities and projects but also advertising suceess, acting as positive role models and reaching out.
Priorities have got to be focused on providing opportunities for our young and old to mix. Many ideas have been discussed and these should form a basis for future work.
We need shared space to be a neutral space. A space in which we can all feel pride. Glengormley needs to have a community soul again ( I am sure many remember the time before the estate agents, take aways and building societies took over) Remember Moores, Sadie Lee's, Old McMillan's and the black smith. The community spirit died with the demise of these land marks.
How do we get this back?