There are two traditions in Northern Ireland. There are two main

"There are two traditions in Northern Ireland. There are two main religious denominations. But there is only one true moral denomination. And it wants peace." These words, spoken by David Trimble, resonate with the ancient wisdom of unity amidst division, and the power of moral clarity in the face of conflict. Trimble, who played a crucial role in the Good Friday Agreement and the peace process in Northern Ireland, highlights a stark truth: while divisions in society can be numerous—whether in the form of religion, culture, or tradition—there exists a singular, universal moral truth that transcends these differences. This moral truth, Trimble suggests, is peace, and it stands as the highest goal, one that calls to all people, regardless of their backgrounds or beliefs.

In the ancient world, religion and tradition often served as the dividing forces between tribes and peoples. Consider the long-standing conflict between the Greeks and the Persians. The Greeks, with their polytheistic beliefs, saw themselves as defenders of freedom and civilization, while the Persian Empire, with its own set of traditions and monotheistic faith, saw itself as the rightful ruler of a unified world. The conflicts that arose from these opposing ideologies were not just about territory or power, but about the moral frameworks each side held dear. And yet, amidst the wars that were fought, there was always an undercurrent of longing for peace, a desire to end the violence and find a way to live in harmony. Even in the most bitter conflicts, there were those who sought a higher moral calling, the pursuit of peace above all else.

The story of the Roman Republic is another example of how moral clarity can overcome division. For centuries, the Romans fought both internal and external battles, each one driven by competing ideologies and beliefs. Yet, through their system of republican governance, the Romans were able to create a system that prioritized dialogue and the search for common ground. Cicero, the great orator and philosopher, spoke often of the need for moral integrity and peace in governance, even when the republic itself was threatened by corruption and civil war. He understood that the moral denomination of peace and justice could unite even the most divided people. His calls for dialogue and resolution, though often ignored in his own time, laid the groundwork for future generations to find ways to reconcile and pursue unity.

The conflict in Northern Ireland, though rooted in deep religious and cultural divisions, mirrors these ancient struggles for unity and peace. For decades, the Protestant and Catholic communities in Northern Ireland were locked in a cycle of violence, driven by political and religious differences. It seemed, at times, that the divisions between the two groups were insurmountable, that the traditions of each group were so deeply entrenched that peace was an impossible dream. Yet, as David Trimble and others in the peace process understood, peace was not something that could be won by force or further division—it was something that had to be chosen, that had to be pursued with moral conviction. The real power lay not in the differences between the two traditions, but in the shared moral truth that both sides ultimately wanted peace.

Trimble’s words remind us that no matter how entrenched the divisions may seem, there is always a higher calling—a moral denomination that transcends religious or cultural boundaries. That calling is peace, and it is a moral imperative that every person must heed, regardless of their background. In Northern Ireland, as in many other places torn by conflict, the true path forward is not found in the perpetuation of division but in the recognition of the common humanity that binds us all. Just as in the time of the Greeks, the Romans, or even the early Christians, the call to peace is an enduring truth that can overcome the deepest divides. The lesson that Trimble imparts is simple yet profound: it is not the traditions or denominations that define us, but our shared moral responsibility to seek peace.

The lesson we can draw from Trimble’s words is a powerful one: moral clarity must be the foundation of our actions, especially in times of conflict. When we are faced with division—whether it is in our communities, our families, or our world—we must always remember that the highest moral denomination is the desire for peace. No matter how strong the forces of division may seem, we have the power to choose peace, to seek reconciliation, and to transcend the boundaries that separate us. This is not just a political lesson, but a spiritual and personal one. In our own lives, we must strive to be the bearers of peace, to recognize that the true path forward lies not in victory over others, but in the unity of the human spirit.

In your own life, reflect on the divisions you encounter—whether in your community, in the workplace, or within yourself. Are you able to see past the labels and differences that separate us, and instead focus on the shared moral truth of peace? When faced with conflict, do you choose reconciliation over retaliation, understanding over judgment? The call to peace is not something distant or abstract—it is a call that is as relevant today as it was in ancient times. Like David Trimble, we must recognize that while traditions and beliefs may divide us, the moral responsibility to seek peace unites us all.