The focus of this part of our guide is on belief, faith, and spirituality in Londonderry (most commonly known as Derry), in Northern Ireland.
Essentially, this is a directory of churches, parishes, and other places of worship and ministries in Derry.
Websites discussing topics of belief, faith, religion, and spirituality in the city may also be found here. These terms are often used interchangeably, and, depending on the context, this can be appropriate. They are unique words with distinct definitions, however.
Belief can be simply an acceptance of a statement or idea as being true. Satan believed in God, but he didn't worship God. Faith is stronger, adding worship and obedience to belief. The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Hebrews, defined faith as the assurance of things hoped for and the conviction of things not seen. In Christianity, faith is essential to salvation.
Religion can have several meanings, but it generally refers to a system of beliefs, usually about a deity, that involves ritual, a code of ethics, a worldview, and philosophy of life, and often a sacred text. People who are involved in a religion are part of a community of like-minded individuals.
Like religion, spirituality also has several definitions. In one, it can be said to bring meaning to faith and religion. The spiritual person has considered his faith and beliefs, although it is possible to be spiritual without being religious.
The bulk of this category will consist of websites representing places of worship or ministries in Derry, regardless of the particular religion, denomination, or sect.
Derry is largely Catholic, with approximately seventy percent of its population born into and identifying with Catholicism. Fewer than twenty percent of Londonderry residents identify with various Protestant denominations and non-denominational churches.
Given that Londonderry Protestants identified with the Irish Republican political faction favoring continued unity with the United Kingdom, while Derry Catholics are usually nationalists and republicans, who wanted Northern Ireland to join a united Ireland, the distinction between the Protestant minority and the Catholic majority has long been more than a matter of theological differences.
Beginning in the late 1960s, the Bogside area of Derry was the focus of a series of violent events that became known as the Troubles, which spread across Northern Ireland.
Although tensions have eased considerably, the two factions are divided physically into largely Catholic and largely Protestant neighborhoods. Although the official name of the city is Londonderry, the majority of Catholics insist on using the original name (Derry) instead.
Derry/Londonderry is home to several majestic churches and cathedrals.
Saint Columb's Cathedral is located within the walled portion of the city. Built after the Reformation in Ireland, it is the cathedral church and episcopal see of the Church of Ireland's Diocese of Derry and Raphoe. It was the first non-Roman Catholic cathedral built in Europe.
The First Derry Presbyterian Church was built on the site of the first Presbyterian meeting house built within the walls in 1689. The current church was built in 1780. After a long period of reconstruction, the church reopened in 2011.
Situated in the heart of Derry, Saint Columba's Church, Long Tower is a Roman Catholic Church in the Diocese of Derry. The current building was built in 1783 on the site of Roman Catholic worship that goes back as far as the 12th century.
Originally built in 1872, Saint Augustine's Church is a neo-Gothic structure on the site of St. Columba's/Colmcille monastery, founded in 546 AD. The current building dates from 1872.
Saint Eugene's Cathedral is the Mother Church of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Derry. Construction of the cathedral began in 1849, and opened in 1873.
Whatever the denomination, religion, or historic significance, places to worship in Derry/Londonderry, Northern Ireland are appropriate topics for this category.
Recommended Resources
Situated on Duke Street in Derry, Northern Ireland, the congregation meets every Sunday morning for worship, the meal of communion, a message from Scripture, and fellowship, as well as dedicated programmes for children and youth. Parking is available at the North West Transport Hub on Duke Street, Simpsons Brae, and Spencer Road, offering easy access to the building. Schedules are posted, along with an introduction to its Hope Centre initiative and other activities.
https://cornerstonecity.church/
The Roman Catholic Diocese of Derry is on the border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, in the ecclesiastical province of Armagh. Established in 1158, the diocese consists of about fifty parishes and religious congregations, and its Cathedral Church is St. Eugene's Cathedral in Derry, Northern Ireland. Its parishes are listed, with contacts and links to individual websites, when applicable. Vocational and job opportunities are featured.
https://www.derrydiocese.org/
Built in 1872, the Neo-Gothic church was built on the site of an ancient church and monastery founded in 1164. Affiliated with the Church of Ireland, a member Church of the Anglican Communion, St. Augustines is in full communion with the See of Canterbury. Its first church, the Church of the Planters, and the present church are highlighted, along with its churchyard, programs for children and adults, schedules, and a calendar of events. Its location in Londonderry is shown on a map.
https://www.saintaugustines.co.uk/
Affiliated with the Church of Ireland (Anglican), the cathedral is dedicated to Saint Columba, the Ulster monk to established a Christian settlement here in the 6th century. Built in 1633, its tower and main building are original. Its policies for baptisms, weddings, and funerals are posted on the site, along with Sunday service schedules and a calendar of events, affiliated organizations, photographs, and access to Saint Columbus Cathedral magazine, published bi-monthly.
https://www.stcolumbscathedral.org/
Saint Columba's Church, Long Tower
On this site, Roman Catholic worship goes back as far as the 12th century, and the current Long Tower Church was opened in 1783 on a much smaller scale than the current building. The history of the church, a floor plan, a photo album, and a virtual tour are provided, along with Mass times, policies on baptisms, marriages, confirmation, first communion, and funerals, and a calendar of events. Catholic schools are featured, along with parish groups, and contacts.
https://longtowerchurch.org/
Located in Derry, Northern Ireland, St. Eugene's Cathedral is the Mother Church for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Derry, and the parish church of the parish of Templemore. Opened in 1873, significant reconstruction and renovation took place between 1964 and 2015. Mass and Confessions policies and schedules are posted, along with a calendar of events, an audio tour, live streaming services, and webcams. Contacts and a parish newsletter may be accessed through the site.
http://www.steugenescathedral.com/
