The Church Of Ireland
News Briefing

(the following text is taken from http://www.company-net.co.uk/belfast-cathedrals-partnership/our_vision.htm)

The society of Northern Ireland is currently at a crucial point in its history. The Peace Agreement only marks the beginning of the road to reconciliation. The real work will begin on the ground and will be successful when people from both traditions can meet in social settings and in each others place of worship.

Belfast Cathedrals’ Partnership is an undertaking aimed at strengthening the bonds that exist between the Protestant cathedral of St. Anne’s and the Catholic cathedral of St. Peter’s. The Partnership aims to project this stronger bond outwards to all the communities of Belfast. It is hoped that the Partnership will serve as a witness to reconciliation between the two traditions and that it will play its part in the wider process for peace in Northern Ireland.

Up to recently the developments at the two cathedrals and the promotion of their place in the wider community have been largely independent of each other. This despite each being in existence for over 100 years. St. Peter’s, only consecrated as a cathedral in 1986, was actually completed in 1866. Situated in the centre of Catholic West Belfast it has acted as a focal point for the surrounding community since that time. The foundation stone for St. Anne’s was laid in 1899 with the Nave being consecrated in 1904. The cathedral is noted for its music and attracts those from all faiths. The cathedral replaced the old parish church of St. Anne built in 1776. Both cathedrals are Grade 1 Listed Buildings.

 click here to visit the Belfast Cathedrals' Partnership website