Belfast, a City with a Wounded Heart; Hope of Redemption

The spirituality of reconciliation is an under- researched field in Northern Ireland, though many books have been written from other perspectives. Iva Beranek focuses mostly on God s promise of a new heart (Ezek 36:26) and its relevance for places like Belfast that carry 'a wounded heart'. The author provides a clear biblical basis for engaged spirituality in places of conflict, and shows that the Christian spiritual tradition is life-giving in challening situations. "This book arises from an unshakeable conviction that from the long wounded history of Belfast a new story of hope is emerging. Through witnesses from different denominations Fr. Troy and Rev. Trevor Williams, from other voices of faith, and from the author herself is woven an inspirational spirituality of reconciliation, both heart-felt and poetic. True to the core of the Gospel, Iva Beranek discerns that from the long experience of fear, hatred and suffering, the city is awakening to a new story, giving birth to love and freedom". Prof. Mary Grey, Professorial Research Fellow, InSpiRe, Centre for Initiatives in Spirituality and Reconciliation, St. Mary's University College, Twickenham, London

Autorentext

Iva Beranek is from Zagreb, Croatia, where she graduated with a B.A. in Philosophy and Religious Culture at FFDI. She worked for the ecumenical student initiative STEP until 2005 when she moved to Dublin, Ireland. In 2007 she completed a M.A. in Classical Spirituality in Milltown Institute, where she is currently working on her Ph.D.