The appalling assault on Stephen Ogilvie on Monday evening has shocked people across Belfast and beyond. Our thoughts and prayers are with Stephen, his family and loved ones, and we pray for his healing and recovery.
We are also deeply concerned by the scenes of violence, disorder and intimidation that have followed.
In recent days, we have heard reports from schools and community organisations that should give us all pause. Teachers have spoken of children telling them that they no longer feel welcome in this city. Some children have not been going to school and have expressed fear about going out into their neighbourhoods. Others have asked questions no child should have to ask: “Do people like me belong here?” and “Am I safe?”
Those words should stop us in our tracks.
Throughout the Bible, we are reminded to welcome the stranger and to ensure that those who come among us are treated with dignity and respect. One of the clearest ways of living out Jesus’ command to love our neighbour is to welcome and care for those who are new to our communities.
Whatever our views, whatever frustrations people may feel, we cannot build a better Belfast if some of our children are growing up believing they are unwanted, unwelcome or unsafe. When a child asks, “Do I belong here?”, that question is addressed to all of us.
The 4 Corners Festival was founded on a simple belief: that people are more than the labels placed upon them and that our city is strongest when we encounter one another as neighbours rather than strangers.
Belfast knows the cost of division. Too many of our children have inherited stories of separation and mistrust. We have a responsibility to ensure they do not inherit those wounds afresh.
The children of Belfast are watching us. They are listening to the language we use. They are learning from the example we set. They deserve to see adults choosing respect over hostility, understanding over suspicion, and dialogue over intimidation.
We want every child, regardless of background, nationality, ethnicity, faith or community, to know that they belong here. Belfast is their city too.
We therefore appeal to all people of goodwill to reject hatred and violence in all its forms and to play their part in building communities where every child can feel safe, valued and at home.
As we prepare for our fifteenth annual 4 Corners Festival in 2027, we renew our commitment to creating opportunities for people to meet, listen and learn from one another. Our wonderful but wounded city has travelled far, and we believe its best future will be built by ensuring that every person—and especially every child—knows they belong and has a place in the story of Belfast.
Co-chairs Rev Steve Stockman and Fr Martin Magill
on behalf of the directors of 4 Corners Festival
on behalf of the directors of 4 Corners Festival