Good! Minister Harold wins

World Methodist Peace Award

BELFAST – The 2007 World Methodist Peace Award has been awarded to the Rev Harold Good in recognition of his tireless work over the decades in building stability and furthering peace in Northern Ireland.

He received the award from the Rev Dr John Barrett, Chairman of the World Methodist Council, at a ceremony at Knock Methodist Church in Belfast, Northern Ireland, on Dec 8, 2007. The ceremony was attended by more than 500 people representing Methodism, and included ecumenical guests as well as government and political leaders.

The Rev Good’s ministry has been marked by his courageous stand in leadership, seeking to befriend all sides in the conflicts in his native Northern Ireland, enabling him to become a trusted leader to all parties.

He was one of the two people who witnessed the decommissioning of weapons two years ago which led to the current stable situation today.

He has witnessed the troubles firsthand, having ministered at a chapel in Agnes Street in the Shankhill area of Belfast.

When riots broke out in 1969, two wounded loyalists were brought to his church, and died there. The church hall became a constant refuge for families frightened out of their homes and when an IRA bomb went off in a furniture showroom just before Christmas in 1971, he was one of those helping to remove dead children from the rubble.

He later ministered to inmates at the Crumlin Road Prison and worked with both loyalist and republican prisoners, and was vital in bringing the IRA to apologise on the 30th anniversary of Bloody Friday.

The World Methodist Peace Award is a presentation of the World Methodist family through the World Methodist Council. The criteria for the award include courage, creativity and consistency in working to bring peace, justice and reconciliation in the world.

The award has previously been given to Mr Nelson Mandela and former US President Jimmy Carter. – United Methodist News Service, World Methodist Council First Friday Letter.

The Rev Harold Good (left) receiving a congratulatory handshake from the Rev Dr Barrett. In the centre is the Rev Roy Cooper, President of The Methodist Church in Ireland. – World Methodist Council picture.