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The idea of good relations has been seductive or sleep inducing. We have
found it easier to transfer attention to the relationship with ethnic
minorities. The emerging problem of racism is serious and requires
action. But the elephant in the room remains sectarianism and despite a
real desire in the community to move forward into a more positive
future, this remains a problem that holds us back. It is a problem that
cannot be wished away and which requires our ongoing attention. It is
clear that there is a political and religious inability to deal with
sectarianism. When the subject is addressed it is often in political and
economic terms, and this is necessary. However, at the heart of
sectarianism, is a deeper and even more serious issue - theology.
Any accepted definition of sectarianism has religion as a foundational
component and it is therefore a fundamental part of the problem. Despite
this, too often the subject is explored without any significant
attention being paid to its theological roots. To ignore these roots is
to ignore the cultural power of theology which has shaped a community.
This remains true, even though many in society have little or no
connection to church life. One does not need a faith commitment to
engage with sectarian theology or to practice it.
If theology is a fundamental element in the makeup of sectarianism, then
people of faith need to move to a place beyond denial, complacency or a
sense of powerlessness. The struggle is an ongoing one, but it is not
hopeless. It is an issue that needs to be faced squarely and the church
has an important role to play. By sharing responsibility for the
problem; by gaining a better understanding and recognising it in all its
subtly, sectarianism can be unseated from its too often unchallenged
place in society and robbed of its power.
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