Religion & Cultural Identity in Northern Ireland
Location
Luton Irish Forum
DATE
November 14, 2019
Activites
Seminar
“Great to hear the 'balance of views' of both sides and to understand and put 'the Irish story in context”.
What we’ve accomplished:
60
guests
29
were surveyed
20 - 80yrs
age range
35%
first generation Irish
45%
second generation Irish
9%
third generation Irish
11%
non-Irish
80%
said the event enriched their knowledge
One of Ireland’s principal historians, Marianne Elliott OBE, gave a rousing talk entitled ‘Religion and cultural identity in Northern Ireland' to one of Luton Irish Forum largest seminar audiences to date.
She spoke of the struggles between Catholics and Protestants and how it has shaped Irish history since the Reformation, with tragic consequences up to the present day.
Marianne argued that what happened in Northern Ireland wasn't religion, it was politicised religion, and the exclusion of a minority which extremist fed off.
Attendees commented that it was great to hear the 'balance of views' of both sides and to understand and put 'the Irish story in context'. They also commented that it encouraged them to learn more and look forward to future events at LIF!
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