Churches in Ireland

05/10/2026

In June, race riots brought fear to communities across Northern Ireland. Churches responded. They opened their doors. They offered practical help. They stood with neighbours who needed them.

On Thursday 15 October, clergy who were on the ground during those days will share their experiences and what we can all learn from them.

📍 Malone Presbyterian Church, Belfast
🗓 Thursday 15 October, 10.30am – 12.30pm
🥪 Lunch provided

Come and listen. Come and learn. Come and think about how we respond next time.

Book your place: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/faith-and-community-how-churches-responded-to-the-race-riots-tickets-2002808906353

03/10/2026

In the middle of a difficult week in Portadown, something hopeful happened at Drumcree: A Jesuit priest from the Garvaghy Road joined the local Church of Ireland rector for a prayer service in Drumcree church.

Fr Brendan McPartlin admits he was a little nervous. He'd never been inside the church before. "They even called me up to say a prayer."

The service came about after local clergy from different traditions met to bring a long-dormant clergy group back to life.

Small steps. Quiet steps. But they matter.

The Irish Times has the full story. 👇

https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2026/09/30/a-jesuit-priest-at-drumcree-church-they-even-called-me-up-to-say-a-prayer/

Fr Brendan McPartlin lives off Garvaghy Road and believes negotiation is the only way to break the standoff

27/09/2026

Joint statement from Archbishop Eamon Martin and Archbishop John McDowell on situation at Drumcree

Church of Ireland Archdiocese of Armagh

To read the statement please click ⬇️
https://www.catholicbishops.ie/2026/09/27/joint-statement-from-archbishop-eamon-martin-and-archbishop-john-mcdowell-on-situation-at-drumcree/

27/09/2026

Over the last number of years we have seen many across society take significant and sacrificial steps to build a lasting peace. These last days threaten a return to tribal politics, division and unrest. 

25/09/2026

This week, Church Leaders stood together on the shores of Lough Neagh.
They came to Cranfield to see the damage pollution is doing to the lough, and to listen to the people who live and work beside it.

Members of the Lower Bann community shared what the crisis means for their livelihoods. Pupils from St Patrick's New Row Primary School, Castledawson, joined them to check the water, the wildlife and the signs of pollution using the Big River Watch app. (The pupils may well have been the real experts on the day.)

Then they prayed.

They prayed for farming and fishing families, for local businesses, and for those in public life who are responsible for protecting the lough.

This year's Season of Creation theme is "Living Water". Lough Neagh reminds us that caring for creation isn't someone else's job.

It's a shared responsibility.

Our shared responsibility.

Read more about the visit on our website - https://www.irishchurches.org/news-blog/2026/09/living-water-lough-neagh-crisis



Church Leaders taking part in the visit were:
Rev Dr. Richard Kerr, Moderator of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland
Archbishop Eamon Martin, Catholic Archbishop of Armagh (Archdiocese of Armagh)
Archbishop John McDowell, Church of Ireland Archbishop of Armagh
Very Rev Dr Charles McMullen, President of the Irish Council of Churches.
Rev Alan Wardlow, Past President of The Methodist Church in Ireland

03/09/2026

A good day: representatives from 15 denominations gathering at the wonderful multicultural Salvation Army premises in wide ranging discussions from poverty, youth, racism and discernment

10/07/2026

09/07/2026

An important day of listening and identifying the common ground of values underpinning churches in Ireland and the Irish EU presidency …

16/06/2026

Administration finance officer deadline extended til 22nd June - full details and application pack on our website

09/06/2026

2026

Methodist Church statement following the North Belfast attack


The Methodist Church in Ireland strongly condemns the attack that took place in North Belfast last night. The thoughts and prayers of the Methodist people in Ireland are with the victim, his family, and those affected by or who witnessed this traumatic incident.

We urge everyone to act with calmness and responsibility and to allow the PSNI to continue their investigation. We strongly condemn any attempt to inflame tensions, spread misinformation, or sow division in our communities. Rather, we encourage community leadership at all levels to help calm any tensions and provide forums in which genuine concerns can be expressed.

Events like this can heighten anxiety and fear for minority groups who are an integral part of our communities. Every human being is made in God’s image and we continue to pray for a society in which everyone feels safe.