Derry Church leaders unite for 'Columba Conversations' with Rev Harold Good OBE

A powerful evening of reflection and dialogue took place at The Playhouse, Derry on Tuesday as part of the Columba Conversations series, an initiative supported by PEACEPLUS, managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB).

The event brought together faith leaders, community members, and peacebuilders to explore the role of faith in fostering reconciliation and healing in Northern Ireland.

A distinguished audience gathered to hear from Rev Harold Good OBE, one of the independent witnesses to the decommissioning of paramilitary weapons, as he reflected on his lifelong commitment to peacebuilding. Rev Good was joined in conversation by journalist and author Martin O’Brien, co-writer of In Good Time: A Memoir by Harold Good.

The event was attended by Bishop Andrew Forster, Bishop of Derry and Raphoe; Bishop Donal McKeown, Bishop of Derry; the Dean of Derry, Very Rev Raymond Stewart; Rev David Skuce (Church of Ireland); and Rev Stephen Skuce (District Superintendent, North Western District, The Methodist Church in Ireland), all of whom offered visible support for this vital initiative.

Reflecting on the event, Rev Good said: "We were very impressed by all that we heard and wish continued success and blessing as this shared contribution to the peace of the city moves forward.

Rev Harold Good signing his Memoir, In Good Time, provided by Little Acorns Bookstore. (Photos Credit: Jake Campbell McLaughlin)

"It was wonderful to see the Bishops and our Methodist Superintendent giving such visible support and encouragement to all that is being done in the name of the churches and for the folk of Derry. We can never overestimate the importance of such local initiatives."

The evening explored: The role of faith in conflict resolution and peacebuilding; The challenges and responsibilities of religious traditions in fostering reconciliation; Lessons learned from Northern Ireland’s peace process and their relevance today.

Following the discussion, there were personal and informal conversations between attendees, reinforcing the event’s mission to foster continued engagement and dialogue.

Upcoming Event: Columba’s Sisters with Professor Maeve Callan

The Columba Conversations series continues with a special event marking International Women's Day and the St. Patrick’s Day Spring Carnival on Wednesday, March 19 2025, in the Monir Hall, University of Ulster, Derry from 6.00pm to 8.00pm.

Professor Maeve Callan, a renowned expert on religion and gender studies, will present Columba’s Sisters, a thought-provoking talk on key women in the church 1500 years ago and what their legacy tells us about the role of women in our society today.

Rev Good addressing those in attendance at Derry's Playhouse on Tuesday evening.

This event will provide a unique historical and contemporary perspective on women’s leadership in faith, society, and peacebuilding, making it a fitting highlight of the Spring Carnival celebrations.

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The Columba Conversations series is a key part of the Columba Journey Project, which celebrates the legacy of St Columba as a shared figure of faith and heritage. Supported by PEACEPLUS, this initiative uses talks, workshops, youth programmes, and heritage tours to deepen understanding, promote connection and build reconciliation across communities.