Our Record

The record of the PCNI is impressive. In its 15-year history it has produced some significant initiatives. It helped to create the Interchurch Committee which meets annually in Belfast, bringing together representatives of the PCUSA (represented by PCNI members), the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, the Presbyterian Church in Ireland, and the Irish Roman Catholic Bishops, to discuss and support progress and needs of the Irish peace process.

Several years ago the PCNI helped to organize a joint Presbyterian-Roman Catholic education program, the Business, Education Initiative. Annually the B.E.I. program provides about 150 university students from Northern Ireland with a year of study in church colleges and universities in the U.S.A. The number has been 100 students in recent years and is not likely to return to previous levels. The PCNI sponsors a two-week Summer Institute in Ireland every other year, which gives Americans an opportunity to participate in a travel seminar which provides them with a unique first-hand exposure to reconciliation efforts in Northern Ireland.

Some years ago the PCNI instituted a call for fair employment and investment by American corporations in Northern Ireland, a call which was endorsed by both British and American governments. The PCNI also arranged for a series of speaking tours in the U.S.A. by interpretation teams consisting of a Presbyterian minister and a Roman Catholic priest from Northern Ireland. It also arranged a joint visit to America by the Cardinal Primate of the Irish Roman Catholic Church, the moderator of the Irish Presbyterian General Assembly, the Archbishop of the Anglican Church in Ireland, and the president of the Irish Methodist Conference. A few years ago it encouraged Presbyterian Women in this country to designate a part of the Birthday Offering to build a Toddler's Center along the Peace Line in Belfast.

The work of the PCNI was recognized by our government a few years ago when President Clinton made his historic trip to the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, and invited two members of the PCNI to accompany him on his official visit.

The PCNI depends upon voluntary support to carry on its work with other church partners. The gifts and prayers of people who are interested in working for peace and reconciliation in beautiful but troubled Northern Ireland, are encouraged.