Healing the Land organisers expecting thousands to pray for Stormont solution

THOUSANDS of people are expected to gather today to pray for the return of devolved government in Northern Ireland.

Last year up to 7,000 Christians travelled to Nutts Corner for the Healing the Land event, with organisers expecting even more today.

Andy Campbell, from the organising team, said the ongoing impasse at Stormont had been caused by deep divisions in society.

“We have found ourselves entrenched in different camps and we feel the Church — referring to all denominations — has failed the people and not encouraged that unity,” he added.

People at last year’s Healing the Land

“That’s been the difficulty. It’s time to forgive one another.

“We feel threatened and suspicious of each other. That’s one of the saddest things.”

Another focus will be on the high rates of suicide in areas such as north Belfast.

Mr Campbell said: “We have a diversity of people taking part. The four provinces of Ireland will be represented.

“The main thing we’re trying to do by coming together is taking that look off one another of threat and suspicion.

“We keep revisiting our past, and while there is justice to be had in a lot of cases, we keep raking the same things up time after time.

“Revisiting that stuff that brings up the same old bitterness and hatred.”

Entry is free for the event, which will run at Nutts Corner Market from 1pm to 4pm. Details at www. healingtheland.co.uk