Being a Peacemaker in a Divided City
Listen to This Conversation
In today’s conversation, I’m joined by my good friend Gordon McDade, who hails from Belfast, Northern Ireland, where he still resides. Growing up, Gordon directly experienced and witnessed the conflict between those advocating for an independent Ireland and those loyal to the United Kingdom—an era known as The Troubles. In this tumultuous environment, Gordon felt called to become a pastor, mediator, and peacemaker in his divided city. Join us as Gordon shares the joys and struggles of cultivating peace, starting a church in the city’s contested areas, and his harrowing experience of being caught in a bomb explosion.
Gordon McDade’s Bio
Gordon was a Baptist pastor for twenty five years and moved into church planting fifteen years ago where he planted Soulspace and is now about to embark on a new plant called Weave with the Anabaptist Mennonite Network. These days he works as a mediator, community dialogue facilitator and coach.
Interested in the liminal spaces in Belfast, Gordon works between divided communities to create creative spaces for relationship. Previously he worked at Forthspring Inter Community Group, and have been part of the 174 Trust and the Duncairn Arts Centre. He is currently working with the Mornington Community Project. These liminal spaces are in different parts of the city and Gordon is keen to support and nourish them into places of meaningful relationship and community building.
Gordon also works for Mediation NI in a variety of contexts including parades and community disputes. Marching season now sees 3000 marches taking place here.
Gordon has a private consulting and coaching practice offering support organizations and small businesses to thrive and achieve their mission.