I rest my hope of the end of the ‘troubles’ on two specific counts – the dramatic change of attitude by Sinn Fein to the police and something that happened or didn’t happen at a recent rugby match.

Many secular-minded Westerners, particularly in Europe, have a real problem with ANY religion being taken seriously. And there's a refusal to believe that Muslims who believe in their faith and try to take it seriously can become part of modern democratic society.

Forgiveness is not just a one-off event but a decision for a way of life. Whatever the deficiencies in our spiritual lives, the forgiveness muscle is not too far gone to benefit from a little strengthening.
Forgiveness is not just a one-off event but a decision for a way of life. Whatever the deficiencies in our spiritual lives, the forgiveness muscle is not too far gone to benefit from a little strengthening.

An article by Michael Henderson on ‘The role of patriotism in sustaining the evacuees to North America in World War II’ appeared in December 2006
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RELIGION NEWS SERVICE
The following commentary was sent out to the American press by Religion News Service (New York) in May 2005, by Michael Henderson

The attitudes of the Amish people after the terrible tragedy that befell their community, the callous and premeditated murder of five young girls, are testament to that encouragement. The event was shocking to all, the response of the community to some almost beyond belief. From the first moment it seemed that they were disposed to forgive.

Any history of Initiatives of Change might have a chapter dedicated to to three American brothers, the Colwells. Their contribution to this work for reconciliation is unknown to today’s generation but they once played a vital, inspiring and often taken-for-granted role.

Dresden and the British German Friendship Garden

I am in a dialogue with friends in the United States and Australia on what the role should be of columnists like myself. Let me include you in it.

The year 2007 will be the 200th anniversary of William Wilberforce leading the battle to end the transatlantic slave trade.

My confirmation classes sixty years ago were held in a church across from my school whose significance was unknown to me at the time. This was St. Paul's Church which was built by William Wilberforce who has become one of my heroes.