Wednesday 29th September saw the Launch of a major research report which explored the relations between churches on the Ards Peninsula and the role they play collectively in local communities.

 The following Wednesday 6th October similar research was launched in Bangor at Carnegie Library. The research was funded by the International Fund for Ireland.

The Link completed similar research back in 2003 which led to the formation of the Newtownards Churches Community Forum and found that churches can work together positively on social, civic and community issues. East Down Rural Community Network and Peninsula Healthy Living were the partners in the Peninsula Research and North Down YMCA and the Churches Community Work Alliance the partners in Bangor. The research partners wished to see churches fully engaged in community life and are  hopeful that new and beneficial relationships can be forged as an outcome of the research.

It is hoped that as a result of the reserach projects can be developed that would promote and support churches and community and voluntary organisations to develop skills and services that would enable churches and communities collectively to shape a positive future for all local people, regardless of background.