I was a teenager in Northern Ireland in the 1970s, a time when sectarian violence and division were the backdrops to everyday life. The environment of my youth was poisoned by decades of sectarian hatred passed down from one generation to the next.  As a teen, I witnessed the devastating effects of this hatred firsthand—the bombings, the shootings, the daily fear, and the suspicion that stalked the streets of Belfast.

Despite the pervasive darkness of that time, there were glimmers of hope that shone through. It was those glimmers of hope that eventually led to the transformative power of the Good Friday Agreement. The Agreement represented a turning point in Northern Ireland’s history, paving the way for a more peaceful and inclusive society. It provided a framework for addressing the root causes of the conflict and for building trust and cooperation between the previously divided communities.

The road to the Good Friday Agreement was not easy; it was the outcome of many years of tireless effort by countless individuals and groups inside and outside government. It resulted from countless hours of public and private negotiations, often under the most difficult and trying circumstances.

But the success of the agreement was due, in large part, to the courage and vision of the parties involved. It was due to their willingness to put aside their differences and work towards a common goal. It was due to their commitment to finding a peaceful and just solution to the conflict.

The role of American diplomacy in bringing about the Good Friday Agreement cannot be overstated. The US played a key role in brokering the negotiations between the British and Irish governments, and its involvement helped to build trust and foster a spirit of cooperation between the representatives of the two polarized communities.

The Good Friday Agreement was not just about political change – it represented a fundamental shift in attitudes and perceptions. It challenged the entrenched sectarianism that had been so pervasive in Northern Irish society and provided a vision for a more peaceful future.

Today, Northern Ireland is a different place than the one I grew up in. While there are still challenges and divisions, the Good Friday Agreement has created a foundation for peace and reconciliation that has transformed the region. It has allowed people to move beyond the hatred and mistrust of the past and has provided a vision for a better future.

As we reflect on the legacy of the Good Friday Agreement, it is important to acknowledge the darkness of the sectarian violence that preceded it. The Agreement represents a triumph of hope and optimism over fear and division, and it provides a powerful reminder that even the most entrenched conflicts can be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy.

Twenty-five years have passed since the signing of the Good Friday Agreement, and while there is still much work to be done, we can look back on the progress that has been made with hope and gratitude. The seeds of hope that were planted all those years ago have grown into something strong and resilient, and they continue to inspire us to choose a different way, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges.

As Victor Frankl wrote, “Forces beyond your control can take away everything you possess except one thing, your freedom to choose how you will respond to the situation.” The Good Friday Agreement represented a choice to respond with hope, and that choice continues to shape Northern Ireland’s future.

 George Hull

CPSP Diplomate in Clinical Pastoral Supervision