Newbuildings has, in the past, had incidents which have been called sectarian, that is, when there have been attacks on a particular place or person because of religion.
Children from the two local primary schools – St Columba’s and Newbuildings – listened to a news story from a few years ago about such an attack on the village’s Catholic chapel, St Mary’s Oratory, and then shared their views with one another.
Many of the children from St Columba’s PS were shocked that a place of worship they all know would be targeted in such a way. “Who would do that do such a little church?” asked Owen. His classmate Rachel added: “Why would they do that to a church where children can learn about God?” Grace asked: “Who would do that there to a church, a nice church, destroy all the things in it?” Some of the children considered the impact the attack would have on the church’s congregation.
Sinead said: “The people in the church would be frightened and very sad.” Mia stresses: “I don’t think it’s fair if people want to go to church and they can’t.” “God would be very sad,” added Suzannah. Katelyn said: “I wouldn’t do anything to the church because the people in the church haven’t done anything bad to me.”
“Some people try to act cool when smashing down things, but they’re not cool at all,” said Annie. Alex considered the people carrying out the attacks and said: “Maybe if they’re kind, other people would be nicer to them.” Shannon considered who these people might be and why they would do it. “It could’ve been a Protestant because they might not like Catholic things where they live.” New Buildings pupil Cassie said: “I don’t think it’s very fair to attack a church because Catholic people in Newbuildings should be allowed to go and worship God without worrying about any attacks, so they feel free and not scared.”
Misha agreed: “It’s very disrespectful to attack a church and the people will be scared and worry about going back the next Sunday.” Alex continued: “It’s not fair on the Catholics, their property shouldn’t be touched. People like going to church. I would feel disgusted if my church got attacked.” Ethan insisted: “I think Newbuildings should be a free village, I don’t think it matters what religion you are, people are people.”
Together the children spoke with one voice when asked what they would say to someone who didn’t want the Catholics and Protestants to be friends. “It doesn’t matter where you live, people can still be friends,” they said, and “It’s not about where you live or what school you go to, it’s about who you are.”
Children from Newbuildings PS and St Columba’s PS believe that whatever church you go to, everyone in the community should show respect for it and that even if you don’t go to the same church as someone else, you can still be their friend and share your space and your future. Through the International Fund for Ireland Sharing in Education programme, they had the opportunity to do just that and each and every child fully participated with a sense of friendliness and fun.
About this article
This story was produced from a radio podcast completed during Headliners International Fund For Ireland's Sharing in Education Programme. Pupils from St Columba's and New Buildings Primary Schools took part. They were: Kerry (7) Susannah (7) Teagan (8) Rachel (10) Shannon (9) Alex (10) Jack (8) Brandon (8) Korben (9) Evan (9) and Misha (9).
