INTERCULTURAL IRELAND NEWS
Intercultural Ministries Ireland
October 2026
Hope in the midst of disunity...
Something to watch
(NO SPOILERS, DON'T WORRY)
The latest series of Blue Lights centres around the interaction between a loyalist estate and a community centre welcoming people seeking asylum in Northern Ireland. With the PSNI caught in the middle of competing demands from both communities, season 4 does a great job at showing how the fires of division are stoked by loud minorities only seeking their own interests and are not seeking a better future for their own community or country.
(Parents, please note the BBFC have rated this show unsuitable for children under the age of 15)
Something to read
Old wounds reopen, showing they never fully healed. Over the last few weeks we have seen old dormant conflicts divide Northern Ireland once again. Harsh words are spoken by both sides condemning the other for breaking the law, encouraging violence, and so on.
However one key voice spoke out in the midst of the verbal crossfires. Rev. Gary Galway, rector of Drumcree Parish Church, published a statement to clarify their position as a community. It was an opportunity to take sides, to endear themselves to one side or the other. And yet, they stood boldly and prophetically in the middle inviting both sides to the table.
“We are a Christian community under the oversight of the Church of Ireland. Our teaching, witness and hospitality are governed solely by the Scriptures, the traditions of our Church, and the call to love our neighbour as ourselves. Meaning we do not align with or endorse practices and principles that do not reflect an inclusive welcome for all."
You can read several statements the church has made here.
Something to attend
After 17 years, the Logos Hope has returned to Belfast. Famous for being the largest floating bookfair in the world, it welcomes guests on board from Tuesday to Saturday 10am-10pm and Sundays 1pm-10pm (it closed to the public on Mondays). It is free to visit but also has a full program of events for all ages (click here for info).
On Sunday 11 October, Intercultural Worship Ireland will be helping lead an evening of worship and prayer on board the ship. Click here for info and to book your spot (it is free to attend)
