The Churches Trust continues to make meaningful strides in peacebuilding, interfaith engagement, and cultural heritage through two dynamic initiatives: the Columba Journey Project (CJP) and the Cecil Frances Alexander Celebrated (CFAC) project. Supported by PEACEPLUS, managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB), and the Benefact Trust, these projects aim to foster cross-community connection, cultural learning, and mutual respect in the Northwest of Ireland. The Columba Journey Project: Peacebuilding Rooted in Local Story The CJP centres on the legacy of Columba, the Irish monk who helped shape early Christian Ireland and Scotland. Since August 2024, the project has brought local history to life for young people through accredited OCN programmes, and interactive events. A highlight was our Columba Conversations Lecture Series, which in February featured Rev Dr Harold Good exploring the role of faith leadership in peacebuilding. Over 40 people attended the event at the Playhouse included Bishop Andrew Forster, Bishop Donal McKeown, Rev David Skuce and others. March saw Ulster University, Magee Campus host the lecture Columba’s Sisters by Prof Maeve Callan, focusing on often-overlooked women of the early Church and how their stories can inform modern understandings of inclusion, coinciding with International Women’s Day. The ongoing Columba Conversations series has brought historical insight and contemporary relevance into public dialogue. Christy Gillespie captivated an audience at St Columb’s Hall with his deep knowledge of Columba’s legacy in Donegal and Scotland, weaving together archaeology, folklore, and local memory. Dr Brian Lacey shared his deep knowledge of Columba while Rev David Skuce explored how religion has been both a source of conflict and a pathway to peace at a thoughtful evening at St Columb’s Park House. In April we hosted a Columba walking tour led by Blue Badge guide Michael Cooper, starting at the Columba Heritage Centre and taking in key sites across the city that connect past and present, legend and learning. These events continue to strengthen cross-community engagement and bring Columba’s story into the heart of contemporary conversations about reconciliation. Young people have taken centre stage in this work. Our Columba Champions programme (for 16+) and Columba Camp (for under 16s) are designed to give young people a platform to explore identity, heritage, and reconciliation. Youth groups from both Catholic and Protestant backgrounds have come together through site visits, story-based learning, and creative workshops.

Empowering Young People Through Skills, Creativity, and Personal Development

2024 has been a year of positive changes for the Churches Trust