This episode of the Radically Christian Podcast features a conversation between Wes McAdams and Bert Ritchie, a minister from Northern Ireland who has spent decades working toward peace and reconciliation. The discussion begins with Bert recounting his upbringing, his ministry journey, and the backdrop of sectarian conflict in Northern Ireland. He describes how religious and political divisions fueled hostility for generations and how the peace accord reduced violence, though tensions remain unresolved.
The heart of the conversation focuses on what it means to pursue peace as a follower of Jesus. Bert emphasizes that peace is not just a theological concept but an embodied practice that requires courage, humility, and trust-building. Using the metaphor of bridge-building, he explains that it’s not enough to construct bridges between divided groups—someone has to be willing to cross them. He shares his own experiences speaking in Catholic churches, sitting with priests, and engaging even with former terrorists, highlighting how reconciliation involves risks, patience, and a willingness to leave one’s comfort zone.
Bert Ritchie is a longtime minister in Ireland with over 40 years of service. Married to his wife Doreen, with four children and ten grandchildren, he has worked extensively in contexts of division, seeking to live as a peacemaker across denominational, political, and cultural lines. His life and ministry reflect a commitment to grace, reconciliation, and practical, lived-out peace.
Links and Resources:
* 2013 Christian Chronicle article about Ritchie's work
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