Peace between people and between people and the earth

In 1985 Northern Ireland was in the grip of our violent conflict, tearing apart our society in sectarian division. A small group of people volunteered their time and dedicated part of their lives to developing the idea of having a residential centre which was based on a holistic approach to non-violence. This idea was originally created by the "Peace People" from Belfast who wanted to create a centre to which they could bring groups of all ages and backgrounds. In this centre they would run programmes based around three core elements: work, recreation and discussion. Kilcranny House was born.

The first five years of Kilcranny's life saw the renovation of the main house, the establishment of an organic garden and the laying down of foundations for fundraising, administration and group programmes. Kilcranny was run by international and local volunteers who were managed by a committee of people from a range of backgrounds.

In 1991, government funding was secured from the Community Relations Unit in Northern Ireland. This funding went towards the employment of a co-ordinator and running costs for the centre. The co-ordinator was employed to provide continuity and accountability, needed more than ever as the popularity of Kilcranny House was growing.

Over the next few years there was a steadily growing demand from groups interested in using Kilcranny. This prompted the building of an impressive new 28-bed accommodation block in 1994. In 1996 Kilcranny decided to function independently from the Peace People and ended formal links with the organization.

Today, Kilcranny House continues to grow and progress. Our journey is not an easy one and many challenges are in our path. However, due to the dedication, commitment and determination of a wide range of people connected with Kilcranny House, we will continue to make a difference in Northern Ireland, and in the world.

At Kilcranny House we are committed to promoting positive peace & reconciliation, healing the divisions which exist between people and exploring non-violence as a way of life and a means of working for change in our society.

Kilcranny is a place where people can grow in their relationships with each other through co-operative work, discussion and relaxation. We provide a safe spaces for groups and individuals to experiment in living with differences and challenging boundaries. We are committed to addressing divisions which exist between people in Northern Ireland. We also strive to live a lifestyle that cherishes and protects our environment. Through projects of work, recreation and discussion we believe that many fears , prejudices and conflicts can be resolved. Kilcranny provides an atmosphere for the exchange of views and skills, in the understanding that everyone has something to offer to the work of peace, and that each person can contribute in their own way to making our world a better place.

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Comment by Thomas T. Panto on September 7, 2009 at 5:44pm: Because ''Human'' is a concept formed inside of the brain tissue of a child, therefore, WE DECIDE if we raise Animals or Humans.
How much ''Human'' can be created is limited only by the capacity of the mind and the Accuracy of the teaching.
Conflcting thoughts ( The lies of beliefs versus The Truth of Reality - conflicts requiring years to resolve ) will retard the development of the Human Mind.
Mental confusion creates ''Obedient Followers'' relying on animal instincts.(Example: Patriots)
.
http://www.themiracleoflife.org/perfection/
.

Comment by Kate rose on September 7, 2009 at 5:05pm: Thank you for sharing this with us, Conn...another world is possible. Many blessings to you all, may you reap what you sow....

Comment by maya on September 7, 2009 at 4:16am: It is always nice to see others inspired by a peace movement. Perhaps this idea will spread to all of the earth.

Comment by Houcine Brahmi on September 7, 2009 at 1:04am: Thank you very much Gordon J Millar for this invitation while hoping to the peace will spread and cover the whole world

Comment by Conn Mulvenna on September 6, 2009 at 11:28pm: great text for driving the work forward - rules for radicals, saul alinski - still inspirational!

Comment by Conn Mulvenna on September 6, 2009 at 11:26pm: Look out for some very good folk at theshire - its in nova scotia but i'm sure they got contacts near you - they work with Art of Hosting and emergent community conciousness - really good people :) get your federal registration sorted as a priority, that's when trusts and donors take you seriously - loads of paperwork and hoop-jumpin but it is worth it when you can list that number at the bottom of the page, and it gives you a real strong sense of identity and purpose.
peace and success be yours

Conn
Kilcranny House

Comment by John Hicks on September 6, 2009 at 11:15pm: Three cheers for Kilcranny! You are doing what I am trying to start in Eugene, Oregon. I had a very small retail metaphysical shop that I purchased in 2006. When I bought it I saw a healing center. I did not know how to go about creating that then. I moved the store front to a much larger location and invitied practitioners to join us. That was the start of what we have now which is a non-profit organization in it's infancy and we're literally feeling our way in the dark. We have decided that the building we are in does not have enough disabled access so we are looking for another location. We are also needing funding for what we want to do but don't really know where to start to get it. We are not federally registered yet but hope to be soon. If anyone out there has any ideas, I'd love to follow in Kilcranny's giant footsteps on this side of the pond.
Many bright blessings to you,
John R. Hicks
Executive Director
The Shambala Center
Eugene, Oregon
1-541-868-1178
jrh@jr-cjhicks.com

Comment by Beatrice LATEUR LACROIX on September 6, 2009 at 9:39pm: Thank you for your inspiring sharing. I wish the best for Kilcranny.
Let's unfold Peace and Love altogether on Earth.

Comment by Cris on September 6, 2009 at 9:12pm: Hi Conn, congrtulations... Peace is a lot o work...always. Do you want to enter the WORLD MARCH FOR PEACE AND NON VIOLENCE is taking place now and will start a simbolic team crossing the planet from october 2, New Zeland and finish january 2 in South America ?
http://the worldmarch.org
Hug with peace, force and joy!
Cris

Comment by Birgitta Holmner on September 6, 2009 at 8:53pm: I wish you all the best in your PEACE-work.
I would like to visit your Kilcranny House.
I beleive that we need healthy people to build up a healthy and PEACEful world.
Peace and Love from
Birgitta