Northern Ireland priest wins World Methodist Peace Award

This year's World Methodist Peace Award has gone to the Rev Harold Good in recognition of his tireless work over the decades in building stability and furthering peace in Northern Ireland.

Rev Good was an independent witness along with Fr Alec Reid to the decommissioning of IRA weapons two years ago.

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

When huge riots broke out in 1969 against the disbanding of the B Specials, 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, Rev Good 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 Archbishop of Armagh, the Most Rev Alan Harper, congratulated Rev Good on winning the award.

"The award affirms Harold Good's work for peace in Northern Ireland over many years, culminating in his witnessing, with Father Alec Reid, the decommissioning of IRA weapons," said Archbishop Harper.

"Harold Good has been a tireless worker for peace and reconciliation in Ireland and the announcement of this award signifies international acclaim for all that he has achieved.

"On behalf of his many friends in the Church of Ireland I wish to extend to Mr Good our heartiest congratulations and good wishes."

The World Methodist Peace Award has previously gone to Nelson Mandela and the former US President Jimmy Carter.