91Èȱ¬

The death of , after a short illness, has shocked so many of us. His loss will be felt particularly by the Corrymeela Community, which he led for the past six years. Those who care about peace-building throughout Ireland will also mourn the loss of his contribution, because David brought unique intellectual and communicate gifts that established his reputation as one of Ireland's most skilled public theologians. In books, articles, speeches, sermons and personal conversations, his voice was always distinctive, original and stimulating. David could take a postcard representation of a work of art, pass it around the room, and have twenty people, new to the subject, discussing political theology within minutes. Twenty minutes later, they'd be studying the Bible and talking about their own country, their own lives, the powers that govern their world, and the values that shape the Christian within the world. By the end of the hour, some may even have made decisions about their careers and vocations as a result of the conversation. He was a master of respectful listening, and, by nature, he appreciated the contributions of those who struggled most to contribute. I admired him greatly as a person, as a thinker, as a theologian and as a communicator able to translate complex ideas into movements of change.

A family funeral will be held today. My thoughts are with David's wife, Mathilde, and their children Thomas and Naomi. Following the funeral, at 2.30 pm today, there will be a public Service of Thanksgiving at St John's Presbyterian Church, 374-378 Ormeau Road, Belfast (directions ).

has been established for those who wish to share their memories of David and pay tribute to his life and work.