The bombing outrage in Omagh on Saturday underlines the fact that it is a foolish person who thinks he understands the problem that is Northern Ireland.

I claim no special understanding, but I visit the province regularly and have many friends there.

It so happens that a month ago my work took me on one day to the Ormeau Road in Belfast and on the next day to Portadown. At that time in both areas, hearts were heavy with fear as to what the forthcoming marching season would bring.

Many of my Protestant friends had real problems with the vote for the Good Friday agreement. Here, in the safety of St Albans and Harpenden, it seemed obvious to vote 'Yes'. But it is not quite like that when you were also agreeing to seeing those who had murdered members of your own family and friends freed and standing for election.

I was told of a group in Portadown who agreed with all their friends that voting 'No' was the only possible option.

After voting, coyly comparing notes, they discovered to considerable shock that they had all voted 'Yes'. Others knew it their Christian duty to vote 'Yes', but did so with a heavy heart. The price was almost too great to pay.

A year ago, I was privileged to take part in a large assembly at Coleraine when Presbyterian Christians came together to consider their role in mission.

One speaker, at the end of a powerful talk, challenged them all to stand if they were prepared to work alongside their Catholic brethren to bring peace to the land.

Many hundreds stood. Many hundreds fought an inner conflict - it was visible on their faces - and remained unwillingly seated.

So I have no solution of my own to bring to a problem that goes beyond human skill to solve. But the same speaker who asked those Presbyterians to stand, also stated that peace would not come from politicians, but from Christians.

In the Bible, Jesus Christ is described as being full of grace and truth, God as a God of justice and mercy.

If you feel that these contrasts are all in short supply in Northern Ireland, remember that thousands of committed Christians are seeking to put Christ first and their 'rights' second. They don't hit the headlines because they don't make media news.

But it is hard for them. They need patience, great courage and the prayers of everyone in this part of Hertfordshire, particularly after last weekend's senseless carnage.

After all, it is those Christians who are Jesus Christ in Northern Ireland.

This article by John Truscott, a member of Christ Church, High Oaks, St Albans, is one of a series of personal viewpoints by members of Churches Together in St Albans.

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