A bronze statue of St Columba has been unveiled in
Derry~Londonderry in recognition of the city's religious heritage.
The unveiling coincides with the 90th AGM of the
Irish Council of Churches, which met in Derry for the first time to
explore the theme of 'Faith in the City'.
Following the event, local clergy and council representatives also walked the newly-opened Christian Heritage Trail.
The 11-foot sculpture, designed by artist Niall Bruton, is located in St Columb's Park at the start of the trail.
It follows an ancient pilgrim route from the park into the Walled City, linked by the new Peace Bridge and visiting some of the Christian sites along its way.
The trail will also be marked by the thoughts and reflections of 6th and 7th century Christian ancestors, portraying the different sides to St Columba.
It will also include contemporary messages of reflection from city residents. New seating and public artworks by artist Eleanor Wheeler are also being installed as part of the project.
Liam Milligan, project co-ordinator of the Christian Heritage Trail said that St Columba, who helped establish Christianity in the city nearly 1500 years ago, was chosen as a unifying figure.
"The Churches' Trust over two years ago began to consider how it could make a contribution to cultural heritage and life of the city ahead of the awarding of UK City of Culture," he said at the launch.
"It was agreed the Christian heritage trail would provide a platform to invite the citizens of this wonderful place to come together to explore their respective heritages.
"It was hugely important that the project would reach across the city, to the communities both east and west, and be symbolic of a city moving forward together."
Also in attendance was Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland, who said: "I hope during UK City of Culture 2013 and for many years to come, both residents and visitors alike will take the opportunity to come to St Columb's Park and follow the trail through the city to St Augustine's Church".
Representing 12 main Christian Churches in Ireland, membership of the Council is made up of Protestant, Orthodox, Reformed, Independent and migrant-led churches.
The Council also runs the Irish Inter-Church Meeting together with the Catholic Church.
Following the event, local clergy and council representatives also walked the newly-opened Christian Heritage Trail.
The 11-foot sculpture, designed by artist Niall Bruton, is located in St Columb's Park at the start of the trail.
It follows an ancient pilgrim route from the park into the Walled City, linked by the new Peace Bridge and visiting some of the Christian sites along its way.
The trail will also be marked by the thoughts and reflections of 6th and 7th century Christian ancestors, portraying the different sides to St Columba.
It will also include contemporary messages of reflection from city residents. New seating and public artworks by artist Eleanor Wheeler are also being installed as part of the project.
Liam Milligan, project co-ordinator of the Christian Heritage Trail said that St Columba, who helped establish Christianity in the city nearly 1500 years ago, was chosen as a unifying figure.
"The Churches' Trust over two years ago began to consider how it could make a contribution to cultural heritage and life of the city ahead of the awarding of UK City of Culture," he said at the launch.
"It was agreed the Christian heritage trail would provide a platform to invite the citizens of this wonderful place to come together to explore their respective heritages.
"It was hugely important that the project would reach across the city, to the communities both east and west, and be symbolic of a city moving forward together."
Also in attendance was Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland, who said: "I hope during UK City of Culture 2013 and for many years to come, both residents and visitors alike will take the opportunity to come to St Columb's Park and follow the trail through the city to St Augustine's Church".
Representing 12 main Christian Churches in Ireland, membership of the Council is made up of Protestant, Orthodox, Reformed, Independent and migrant-led churches.
The Council also runs the Irish Inter-Church Meeting together with the Catholic Church.