"But our citizenship is in heaven..." Philippians 3 v 20

Over this past week in Northern Ireland the centenary of the Ulster Covenant has been celebrated. The Ulster Covenant opposed Home Rule from Dublin in 1912 "by any means". As a Presbyterian from North East Antrim there is no doubt that my ancestors signed this document. On further research I discovered the signature of my great grandfather, James McFaul. As I looked at the faded signature of a man I have never met, tears streamed down my face. Why? I'm not sure, but something I do know is that I cannot deny that the Ulster Covenant is part of my story.

My great grandfather's signature is second.

Being from Northern Ireland has always been an interesting place to sit in terms of identity and nationality. After all, am I British, Irish, Northern Irish or an Ulster woman? All of these labels carry different connotations and stereotypes. Maybe the simple answer is to look at my passport, but yet again I can hold two passports, one Irish and one British. So, who am I?

I am female from Northern Ireland who has a deep love for Irish traditional music, who grew up in the Irish Presbyterian tradition and who is now a member of the Presbyterian Church (USA). I am a gay woman who at eight years old had her Union Jack signed by Ian Paisley, and then headed to Irish dancing lessons the next week. I am a direct ancestor of (at least) one who signed the Ulster Covenant, but yet I did not join in with the celebrations last Saturday.

First and foremost I will always be a part of God's Kingdom. No flag; red, white and blue; green, white and gold; with stars and stripes; should come before being a citizen of God's Kingdom. A Kingdom full of love, grace, hope and peace. A place where, "there is no longer Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male and female. For you are all one in Christ Jesus." (Galatians 3 v 28)


Take a listen to this song by David Thomson written from the perspective of his great grandfather who also signed the Ulster Covenant.

http://www.fitzroy.org.uk/Media/Player.aspx?media_id=95354&file_id=104803