WE have had so much bad news recently that IRA decommissioning comes as a real uplift.

The troubles in Northern Ireland are so long-standing that this breakthrough is a real joy. We don't know exactly in what way the weapons have been put beyond use but, whatever has happened, it must be a fulfilment of Isaiah's prophecy that swords will be beaten into ploughshares.

After all the recent disasters this piece of good news brings us hope. When life seems to be one dark event after another we need the encouragement that a gleam of hope can bring us. It is hard to keep hoping and praying for peace in a world like ours. But let us thank God for this one step forward in Northern Ireland at least. We hope and pray that this is something like the beginning of the end of the armed conflict there.

But we know that there are many in Northern Ireland who will view this development cynically. They will see it as a ploy by the IRA. We also know that some members of the IRA will see it as a sell-out. It may tempt them to join extremist groups such as the Real IRA.

Invent

Why is it that we human beings seem to need enemies? Why is it that when we don't find enemies we have to invent them?

I suppose that it is because we find it easier to live life if we have something or someone to fight against. When we can't face our own problems it is easier to project them onto other people and create enemies. It is sad, but many people don't come alive unless they can find an enemy.

I am sure that this is why, whenever we get some good news like IRA decommissioning, there are always people to pour cold water on it. They are so used to having an enemy that they can't bear to lose them.

It is easier to fight against an enemy than to fight for something positive like peace. But thanks be to God for those brave people who risk moving into the dangerous waters of laying down their arms and befriending old enemies.

Jesus said: "Love your enemies." What a huge demand that is.

Michael Williams,

Vicar of Bolton Parish Church.