17 Apr 2013

The 16th April 2013 will mark the first anniversary of the death of the very Reverend Dr. Ray Davey who created the Christian community for Reconciliation at Corrymeela in 1965.

Belfast born Ray founded The Corrymeela Community in 1965 assisted by students from Queen’s University Belfast.  His experiences as a Prisoner of War in Germany convinced him that there was an alternative to violent conflict; the cultural and sometime volatile changes in Northern Ireland in 1960s were the final impetus. Ray decided to create a place where people of different cultures and backgrounds could meet together and experience new ways of dealing with ‘difference’.  Ray dedicated his life to the reconciliation and peace making not only of Northern Ireland but bridging cultural divides worldwide. 

One year on and Ray Davey’s vision and legacy continues to inspire future generations of young people and children at Corrymeela.  Thousands of young people each year benefit from the Ballycastle Residential Centre which offers team building, conflict management, dialogue, outdoor and indoor activities for interaction and fun play.  There are fieldworkers around the province working in local communities delivering alternative history programmes and forgiveness education in schools. 

Rev Inderjit Bhogal who succeeded Ray said: “Ray Davey’s death and his living, loving, leadership and being have touched us deeply, and give us all new inspiration, life and direction.” 

The anniversary of Ray Davey will be marked by special prayers morning and evening at the Croi in Corrymeela Ballycastle on Monday 15th, Tuesday 16th and Wednesday 17th April 2013.  The prayers will be led by Rev Inderjit Bhogal who added: “Ray’s memory is a spur to stronger ecumenical relationships.” 

The Corrymeela Community set up The Ray Davey Youth Fund in honour of his commitment to the young people of Northern Ireland to give them a brighter peaceful future and to ensure that the work continues.  £42,000 has already been raised and a further £56,000 is needed to reach our target of £100,000 for youth programmes and individual young people throughout Northern Ireland to provide opportunities for their personal and career development. 

Anyone wishing to make a Donation or access services can contact: The Corrymeela Community 8 Upper Crescent Belfast BT7 1NT tel: 028 9050 8080 email : belfast@corrymeela.org  and  for online donations please visit: https://www.justgiving.com/RayDaveyThank you.