Rev Chris Hudson

“Whether it’s abortion, or euthanasia, all those things should be discussed. If we run away from them, we leave that territory to other people. We’re not afraid; our faith is firm enough.”

A true non-conformist, Rev Chris Hudson MBE worked as a women’s hairdresser, postman, actor and writer before becoming a Unitarian minister.

He has applied his beliefs to his church, All Souls’, in central Belfast, and revived the congregation of just 25 mostly elderly regulars by embracing the LGBT community and welcoming members of different faiths, nationalities and creeds.

Although from a Republican family with links to the old IRA – and despite the fact one of his closest friends was killed by Loyalist terrorists – Rev Hudson has worked to understand and explain the Ulster Loyalist perspective, while remaining opposed to its violent campaigns.

“Peace comes when the protagonists engage. The problem is, in Northern Ireland, it took us thirty years to realise that.”

He agreed to become an unofficial negotiator for Protestant paramilitaries in talks with the Irish government after establishing a close personal friendship with Unionist politician David Ervine. His involvement was key in bringing them to the table.

Rev Hudson was awarded an MBE for his work during the peace process.

He remains firmly committed to supporting the Protestant community to negotiate the new landscape of post-conflict Northern Ireland.

“Because we have quite an eclectic mix here, we use the term that we are a beloved community. We can disagree with each other with loving kindness.”

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