Derry-born Methodist minister unveils untold stories of peace in upcoming memoir

Revered peace advocate and Derry-born Methodist minister, Rev. Harold Good, has collaborated with journalist Martin O’Brien to publish his deeply personal and historically significant memoir, In Good Time. With endorsements from former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair and former Irish Taoiseach Bertie Ahern, the book provides an unprecedented glimpse into the complex and delicate process of peacebuilding in Northern Ireland.

At 87 years old, Rev. Good has lived through and contributed to some of the most transformative events in modern Irish history. His involvement in the secret decommissioning of the IRA's remaining weapons in 2005, a pivotal moment in the Northern Ireland peace process, is just one of the many experiences he recounts in this reflective memoir. ‘It’s about time you wrote that book,’ close friends have often urged him, and now, in the twilight of his ninth decade, he shares his journey, aptly titled In Good Time.

Rev. Good reflects on his 62 years in ministry and more than two decades of retirement with a sense of urgency, aware that time is of the essence. However, he remains conscious of the need to honour confidences and maintain the trust that has been placed in him over the years. ‘The most important code in peace-making is confidentiality,’ Good notes, stressing the delicate balance between sharing history and protecting those involved.

In Good Time is a meditation on the unfinished journey of peace in Northern Ireland. Harold writes with hope that his reflections will speak to the ongoing challenges of unhealed wounds, unresolved differences, and the uncertain constitutional future of the region. He emphasises the importance of bold leadership, both in the church and state, and highlights the often-overlooked contributions of lesser-known individuals who paved the way for political progress.

Throughout the book, Rev. Good underscores the crucial need for three key elements in conflict resolution: Talk, Truth, and Trust.

He recounts numerous instances where people of opposing views sat at his kitchen table, engaging in difficult conversations that ultimately broke down barriers and opened new possibilities for understanding. The level of trust in which he writes was only possible when people are prepared to build personal relationships, show leadership, take risks, and venture out of their comfort zones.

In a time when the world is again witnessing brutal conflicts, from Israel-Palestine to Ukraine, Rev. Good's reflections on Northern Ireland's journey towards peace offer valuable lessons. ‘Let us not subscribe to the futile notion that 'nothing will ever change', he urges, emphasising the possibility of transformation even in the most unlikely circumstances.

In Good Time also serves as a candid reflection on the role of clergy during the Troubles and in the years since. Good pays tribute to the unsung heroes within the church who provided pastoral care during the darkest days and critiques the institutional Church's actions, or lack thereof, during the conflict.

Featuring recently unearthed texts and a journal kept during a critical period, Rev. Good’s book reveals:

• His role as a secret backchannel between the DUP and Sinn Féin during the negotiations that led to the historic partnership government between his close friend Martin McGuinness and Ian Paisley.
• Facilitating numerous secret meetings between McGuinness and DUP MP Jeffrey Donaldson in his own home, helping to ensure the success of the peace negotiations.
• Pausing the decommissioning of IRA arms until he could be fully assured of its integrity.
• His unique partnership with fellow witness to IRA decommissioning, Fr Alec Reid, and his remarkable friendship with McGuinness.
• His fascinating relationship with Paisley, and his lasting regret at not personally confronting Prime Minister John Major when warned by republicans that the IRA ceasefire was about to collapse.
• His contribution to the decommissioning of ETA and FARC weapons in the Basque Country and Colombia, and how combatants in these regions learned from the Irish Peace Process.

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In Good Time is due for publication on Thursday, October 24 2024. Former President of Ireland Mary McAleese will officially launch the book at Queen's University on Wednesday, October 30.