During my recent visit to Ireland, I learned of an organization called The Ulster Project. The Ulster Project was begun in 1975 by Rev. Stephen Jacobson of the Episcopal Church in the United States and the Rev. Kerry Waterstone, a Church of Ireland priest. The project provided a safe place in the United States for teenagers from Northern Ireland to discuss the climate of "the Troubles" that were facing them at home. Its original success in Manchester, CT led rapidly to other member cities across the United States.

This modest effort in Manchester has become the International Ulster Project, cultivating friendships across religious divisions around the world, working to dismantle prejudice and stereotypes, and developing the leadership potential of teenagers. The end goal is always to create unity amid diversity.

In his second letter to the Corinthians, Paul reminds us: "we are ambassadors for Christ.” God works in this world through our hands and hearts. The Ulster Project demonstrates how we can work for reconciliation when misunderstanding and ignorance block personal, spiritual and cultural growth. Starting at an early age, we can teach the value of living out the message of the gospels in the ways in which we live and move in community.

Prayer: Make me a means of your peace. Where there is hatred, let me bring love. Where there is division, help me bring people together.