northern ireland

During the 1990s, John Paul was intensely involved in supporting the Northern Ireland peace process, engaging primarily at the community and civil society levels through the work of Mediation Northern Ireland, led at the time by Brendan McAllister and Joe Campbell. This frequently involved support for off-record, high level political dialogue and the faith-based engagements of The Corrymeela Community. In recent years, John Paul has worked closely with the efforts focused on trauma healing and the arts, particularly with artist Carole Kane. The reflections in this section emerge from his collaborations within and accompaniment of the peace process at all levels of society.

For Our Healing

A preface discussing the challenges of healing in the aftermath of violence and the need for authenticity of approach that respects each individual while recognizing several important guideposts common to all.

Beyond Violence: Building Sustainable Peace

A conference paper reflecting on the challenges and dilemmas posted in building sustainable peace in the post-accord phase of conflict.

Beyond Violence: Building Sustainable Peace

A published chapter of John Paul's remarks at the Beyond Violence Conference in Belfast, Northern Ireland in November 1994.

En Clave de Cambio

Remarks given at the II Congreso Internacional de Construcción de Paz y Género en el Servicio de Policía in November 2020.

Compassionate Presence: Faith-based Peacebuilding in the Face of Violence

A lecture delivered in contribution to the Distinguished Lecture Series of the University of San Diego's Joan B. Kroc Institute for Peace and Justice in February 2012.

Dispatches from the Burning Ground: Compassionate Presence and Faith-based Peacebuilding

A lecture shared at Conrad Grebel University College for the 2014 Convocation celebration on the topic of compassionate presence and faith-inspired peacebuilding.

The Art and Soul of Civil Leadership: Democracy that Delivers

A keynote address delivered at The Transformative Mosaic Conference, organized by Mediation Northern Ireland in 2011.

The Art of Peace

A conversation with Krista Tippett exploring themes of the moral imagination, arts-inspired peacebuilding, and music and poetry in healing and reconciliation.

“In Conversation”: John Paul and Gladys Ganiel

A conversation at the 2021 4 Corners Festival reflecting on peacebuilding and conflict transformation through John Paul's career past and present.