The Other View

Sectarianism in a narrow sense denotes zeal for, or attachment to, a sect. Likewise, it connotes an excessively zealous and doctrinaire narrow-mindedness that would quickly judge and condemn those who disagree. In a broader sense, however, "sectarianism" denotes the historical process by which all the divisions in major world religions have come about. In the history of Christianity, for example, sectarianism is prevalent theme from the Judaizers and Nicolaitans of the New Testament to the many new denominations emerging in recent times.

H. K. Gallatin – Elwell Evangelical Dictionary

The above definition, however, does not explain sectarianism, as I understand it in the context of the Northern Ireland situation. Perhaps I never will understand it because of my upbringing in a mixed community of Protestant and Roman Catholic.

Born during the Second World War in a modest terraced house on the Mill Road, Whitehouse, I was raised in an atmosphere of Christian love and understanding for my neighbours, both families living on either side being of the Roman Catholic persuasion. . There was no visible acceptable level of hatred, for one another. Practical tolerance, perhaps, would be a good description of the situation - if you didn’t work, you didn’t eat! There was a good community spirit that was generated by the circumstances, and all and sundry would have gone out of their way to help in times of need. Indeed, I can remember the occasional Sunday morning being awakened by the noise of O’Neills’ wee Morris 8 starting up to make a trip to Warrenpoint for the purpose of procuring scarcities from Omeath. Upon the return of this wee car, we waited to see what could be bartered – sugar for margarine, etc.

Early days spent in playing all sorts of games, with no distinction between the two religions (except on Sundays), listening to older folk talk and laugh about their experiences at work, etc., taught me much about my co-religionists, and that has stood by me in the work I am engaged in at present with the Mediation Resource Centre in Carrickfergus – a predominantly loyalist town on the North shores of Belfast Lough.

The Mediation Resource Centre was established in March 1997 out of meetings between LINC Resource Centre, EPIC and InterComm. It was found necessary to address the number of referrals coming from the Carrickfergus/East Antrim area of a nature involving alleged paramilitary intimidation requiring mediation.

Over the years the Centre has developed into a much-recognised Community Group within the Borough of Carrickfergus. Its many activities have embraced Mediation and Restorative Justice training for volunteers and others, a youth initiative, a Drug/Alcohol Awareness Programme, a Mobile ‘Phone Initiative, a user-friendly meeting place for other groups, such as Gingerbread, Carrick Dialogue Group, Transactional Analysis Group and other Residents’ Groups, and "The Other View" Project in partnership with LINC Resource Centre and Expac. The Centre also, through its volunteers, undertakes housing issues and Welfare Benefits.

However, addressing sectarianism remains an issue that is high on the agenda of the Centre. It takes many forms in the Carrickfergus area. There is the intimidation matter that rears its ugly head particularly during the Drumcree/Marching Season, and this has resulted in attacks on the chapels and Roman Catholic schools and individuals caused to leave their homes. However, during the last four years the centre has operated a Mobile ‘Phone Initiative, and this has successfully reduced this type of sectarianism. But, there are other ‘sects’ in the form of loyalist paramilitaries of different shades that practice their own form of ‘sectarianism’ in the vortex of punishment beatings, intimidation, rioting, feuding, attacking security forces, and whose activities blend into the theme of "sectarianism within loyalist strongholds". Again, manned by volunteers and community activists throughout these areas, the Mobile ‘Phone network has been successful in calming tensions and stifling rumours that would lead in all probability to serious rioting and ultimately attacks on properties, particularly those belonging to Roman Catholics.

It must be said that Reps from both the UPRG/PUP have been fully supportive of our work. Indeed, without their support, the phone network would not have been as successful.

Also, volunteers in particular attached to the Centre make an impact in relation to the flags and emblems differences that arise. I would classify flags and emblems as a form of practical ‘sectarianism’, with the many and varied flags representative of a sect or faction of loyalist paramilitary persuasion.

Therefore, when I chose the title for this article "Sectarianism, as I never experienced it", I had in mind two eras, viz. (1) The era in which I grew up without blatant sectarianism, and (2) The present day era when I never experienced so much the practice of sectarianism.

In conclusion, I again quote from H. K. Gallatin (Elwell Evangelical Dictionary) that "The pervasive religion is highly organised and deeply integrated into society’s social and economic structure, but it makes few demands on members for active participation or personal commitment. The sect, however, demands a high degree of participation and a suitable display of individual loyalty and spiritual commitment. While the church has compromised and accommodated its doctrines and practices to the secular society, the sect rejects all such accommodations or compromises and sets itself against both church and secular society to defend a purer doctrine and practice.

Comparative study of the many Christian sects has led scholars to suggest several different categories of sect types such as the conversionist, the Adventist, and the Gnostic. The organisation and government of most sects are more democratic than that of the church or denomination; likewise, the leadership is frequently less experienced and non-professional".

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