It was great to meet up with my former teacher, Dr David Gallagher, today to hear about his new book that he has written.
From Feakle to the Falls and Derry’s Walls: Methodism and Peacemaking, 1985–2025 offers a reflective look at the role of the Methodist Church in Ireland during the Northern Ireland peace process. Blending historical analysis with personal experience, the book explores how faith leaders navigated conflict, contributed to dialogue, and engaged with political figures during the years leading to and following the Good Friday Agreement.
Drawing on first-hand involvement, the narrative provides insight into key moments and encounters that shaped the peace process. These include early meetings between church representatives and republican leaders, responses to joint appeals from figures such as John Hume and Gerry Adams, and conversations with influential individuals during critical periods of tension and transition. These accounts reveal the often unseen role of relationship-building and informal dialogue in progressing peace.
The book also addresses internal divisions within the Methodist Church and wider Protestant community, particularly around political developments like the Anglo-Irish Agreement. By examining both the contributions and challenges faced by the Church, it offers a balanced perspective on faith-based peacemaking and highlights lessons that remain relevant for reconciliation efforts today.
If you wish to purchase this book you can so via:
The Evangelical Bookshop
It is also available at An Ceathru Poili and the Secret Bookshelf, Carrickfergus or you can get it directly from David Gallagher ([email protected])
"Blessed are the Peacemakers". It was inspiring to hear of what David and other Collegians have done to bring about peace in Northern Ireland.
Mr Stephen Lindsay
Assistant Principal Teacher
Head of Alumni & Fundraising
Methodist College Belfast
#deusnobiscum
