This category focuses on beliefs, faith, religion, and spirituality in Craigavon, Northern Ireland.
Craigavon, a town in northern County Armagh, has a complex religious history. Designed as a planned community, Craigavon was formed in the 1960s and was soon confronted with the onset of a period of political and sectarian strife known as "The Troubles."
While the conflict began to unfold in the late 1960s, Craigavon, as a newly founded town, was not a central focal point of the early violence. However, as the conflict spread throughout Northern Ireland, the town, with its mix of Catholic and Protestant communities, became increasingly affected. The town experienced sectarian violence, bombings, and shootings, particularly during the 1970s and 1980s.
The area was a stronghold for both loyalist and republican paramilitaries, and the conflict had a profound impact on the local community. The peace process culminated in the Good Friday Agreement in 1998, establishing a power-sharing government in Northern Ireland. The Troubles ended with this agreement, although sporadic violence and tensions continue.
The decades-long conflict significantly affected the town's development, considerably slowing the development of its economy and leading to the abandonment of many of the plans that were part of the founding of Craigavon.
Traditionally, the area has been home to significant Catholic and Protestant populations, which are almost equally divided.
Despite the historical challenges, Craigavon has a diverse religious community, with several Christian denominations active within the town. Although a significant portion of the town's population does not identify with a religion, its churches continue to play a role in the community, with many providing social services, educational programmes, and spiritual guidance to their congregations. The legacy of The Troubles still influences the religious dynamics of Craigavon, but there are ongoing efforts towards reconciliation and harmony.
Places of worship and ministries in Craigavon are appropriate resources for this category, regardless of the particular religion, denomination, or sect.
Recommended Resources
Holding Sunday services at 10:30 am, Craigavon Presbyterian Church is located on Drumgor Road in Craigavon, County Armagh, Northern Ireland. Service schedules, a calendar of events, and an overview of its transport services, children's services, preschool programmes, small group Bible studies, secondary school services, its Supper Club for primary and preschool children, and bimonthly Café Church gatherings on Sunday evenings. Contact information is included.
https://www.craigavonpresbyterian.com/
Formed in 1996, Emmanuel Church is a non-denominational church on Castle Lane in Craigavon, County Armagh, Northern Ireland. Its history, church-planting activities, and statements about its vision and values are set forth. The congregation has two Sunday services, one at 9:30 am and the other at 11:30 am. Schedules, a calendar of events, and an introduction to its leadership team are featured. Other ministries of the church include Lifegroups, prayer services, and community outreach.
https://www.emmanuel-church.co.uk/
Meeting in its facilities on Highfield Road, Craigavon, Northern Ireland, Hope Church is a contemporary expression of the Church of Ireland and part of the Diocese of Down and Dromore. Services are held each Sunday at 10:30 am, featuring worship, teaching, and community activities. Its programmes for kids and youth (Hope Tots and Hope Youth) meet on Sunday evenings at 7:00 pm, and the church is actively involved in various community support and outreach programmes, which are announced here.
https://wearehope.church/
Moyraverty is a Catholic parish in Craigavon, Northern Ireland. The parish includes St. Anthony's Church in Craigavon and St. John's Chapel in Lylo and is part of the Diocese of Dromore. St. Anthony's is the main church of the parish, and located on Tullygally Road in Craigavon, while St. John's Chapel is a smaller chapel in Lylo. Included is a parish bulletin, mass times, and an introduction to St. Anthony's Parish Centre, located next to St. Anthony's Chapel. Contacts are included.
https://www.moyravertyparish.com/
The congregation began in the late 1960s, in the early days of Craigavon, Northern Ireland, when services were held for the Methodist, Presbyterian, and Church of Ireland congregants in the Moylinn Centre, then at Tullygally Community Hall, before its purpose-built building was constructed in 1972. The congregation is part of the Church of Ireland in the Diocese of Down and Dromore. Services are held each Sunday at 11:00 am, with communion on the 3rd Sunday of the month.
https://www.stsaviourscraigavon.co.uk/
