Irish Methodists meet with the Taoiseach
Rev Steven Foster and Rev Andrew Dougherty with the Taoiseach, Micheál Martin.
On the 1st of September 2025, the Taoiseach, Micheál Martin, met with Faith and Non-Confessional Groups in the Sycamore Room, Leinster House to ‘discuss matters of mutual concern.’ It was part of the Taoiseach’s Structured Dialogue process with faith and ethical groups.
The Methodist Church in Ireland was represented by the Rev Andrew Dougherty, Southern District Superintendent, and the Rev Steven Foster, Southern Chairperson, Council on Social Responsibility.
During the meeting, the Taoiseach said that he valued the presence of the church leaders and other representatives. Mr Martin said that he was particularly concerned about ‘a shocking coarseness’ in public discussion, where there’s no space for nuance or respecting other points of view.
In the Methodist contribution to the discussion, Rev Foster spoke of the Church’s desire and action in social and political engagement, referencing local church initiatives and CSR’s pre-election documents. He spoke of the very serious and urgent concerns of Gaza, the natural environment, disability & mental health services, racism, homelessness and social unease. In doing so, he pointed out that children and young people were the first to suffer.
Rev Foster also said that there were signs of a spiritual vacuum and hunger in today’s young adults, contrasting with a lot of his own generation’s cynicism. The Taoiseach specifically picked up on that, saying that it was something that he recognised and believed there was ‘a sense of a greater engagement in regard to spirituality.’
Rev Dougherty said of the meeting,
‘This was far more than a simple box-ticking or rubber-stamping exercise. The Taoiseach appeared genuinely committed to engaging with the various groups, actively listening, and showing a real willingness to learn from the diverse perspectives being shared. Moreover, we all have a responsibility to contribute meaningfully to the shaping of our society. By promoting a deeper sense of justice, inclusion, and collective well-being, we can help influence decisions and actions that serve the common good and ensure that no voice goes unheard.’