St Patrick's Day 2016 saw the launch at Down Cathedral of a special edition magazine produced by the Evangelical Alliance Northern Ireland in partnership with Summer Madness and 24/7 Prayer Ireland as a response to the centenaries of the Easter Rising and the Battle of the Somme. It was a privilege to work with Peter Lynas to provide all of the photography for the publication.
100: Our Story of Healing, Honour and Hope was a collection of interviews and articles reflecting on one hundred years since the events of 1916, and looking forward to a hope-filled story for the next one hundred years.
Among a wide variety of features the magazine includes interviews with the first minister Arlene Foster and deputy first minister, Martin McGuinness, the attorney general for Northern Ireland, John Larkin and Ulster Rugby player, Ruan Pienaar.
Other contributors include the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, former Lord Mayor of Belfast, Nichola Mallon, and photo essays of the art-works of the Bogside artists and Ross Wilson.
Peter Lynas, Evangelical Alliance Northern Ireland director, commented: "The magazine forms part of a larger movement of prophetic prayer - 100 days of prayer for 100 years of history. We are very aware that the decade of centenaries has the potential to divide our community but we believe this a significant moment for the Church to unite and inspire society in response to the historic events that have shaped the story of our land.
"This magazine seeks to explore the narrative of an alternative kingdom. Amidst the talk of suffering and sacrifice, our desire is to see healing sweep across our land this Easter. As different groups contest parts of the story of this land, we will work towards honour and grace-filled conversations in the present. Finally, we pray for heavenly solutions and stories of hope that will change a nation.
"Ultimately we look to the good news of Jesus, the ultimate story of reconciliation which makes all other reconciliation possible. Our prayer is that this magazine helps move the conversation forward and contributes to healing of the past, honour in the present and hope for the future."
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