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Rev Dr Gary Mason, a cheery Methodist Pastor, peace maker and Mission Superintendent of East Belfast Mission has been awarded the MBE for service to Community Relations in Northern Ireland.
Rev Dr Mason has worked tirelessly towards peace within East Belfast. His work with local community groups, statutory agencies, churches and political and paramilitary representatives is helping create the ‘social cement’ that has enabled the local community to address conflict issues.
On being awarded the prestigious accolade, Gary said:
"I'm so pleased! And pleased that through this award East Belfast Mission has been recognised within a wider context."
Glenn Jordan, the Skainos Director said:
"We are thrilled that Gary’s commitment to creating communities that work together towards peace has been recognised. As Gary's friend and colleague I am doubly delighted for him! The award is richly deserved."
Rev Dr Mason has been paramount in influencing the removal of intimidating sectarian wall murals and graffiti across East Belfast. And, in looking to the future to ‘put hope into people’s lives’, through the 20million regeneration project, 'Skainos' to help build the community in Ballymaccarrett.
The name ‘Skainos’ comes from the New Testament Greek word skainos, which means tent. The goal is to create an urban village on a two-acre site in Lower Newtownards Road that will bring peace and economic and social justice to people in the district, regardless of their background or age. With an opening date of 2010, Gary said it will create about 50 jobs and be a physical place where healing can begin and grow.
"People who have experienced loss from decades of fighting will be able to live and love again.The idea of pitching a tent in the middle of this chaos is more than a symbol. It's a presence to be there with the people."
"We want people to be able to come under God's tent and find peace, reconciliation, healing and faith."
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