The Methodist Church in Ireland’s delegation led by its President the Rev. Dr. Heather Morris met with Dr.Richard Haass and his vice chair Dr. Meghan O’Sullivan today Thursday 19th September 2013.

The Methodist’s submission was rooted in the context of the current situation of social and economic deprivation, loyalist alienation, a feeling of frustration in the wider community but also a sense that there is a growing mood for new and common Northern Ireland identity.

The Methodist Church, while acknowledging that Northern Ireland has come a long way, wants, as a critical friend, to encourage but also to challenge all the people to do more for the common good.

The President and her colleagues offered five core principles viz: Developing trust, Offering generosity, being accountable, acting responsibly and seeking the common good 

Commenting after the meeting with Dr. Haass, Rev. Dr. Heather Morris said:–

“We were very happy with our meeting with Dr. Haass and his team. We found him to be not only an attentive listener, he also engaged well with the items we raised. We have reassured him that the Methodist Church in Ireland will continue to be actively involved in peace building”

The Methodist representatives hope to engage with the main parties involved in the Haass Talks.

Dr. Morris was accompanied by
Rev. Donal Ker,General Secretary of the Methodist Church in Ireland
Rev.Dr. Gary Mason Superintendent Minister of the Methodist East Belfast Mission
Dr. David Gallagher A member of the Church’s Council on Social Responsibility
Mr. Mervyn McCullagh Executive Officer, Irish Council of Churches
Rev. Roy Cooper Former President of the Methodist Church in Ireland/Communications Officer


Issued by: Rev. Roy Cooper (07710945104)
Communications Officer