Rev Karen Sethuraman

Rev Karen Sethuraman is the first female Baptist Minister in Ireland and is currently a Pastor of SoulSpace, a Peace and Reconciliation hub, based in Belfast.

Her passion is peace and reconciliation/social justice and she is a champion of gender equality.

The Rev Karen is also one of the founders of Spectrum - a space set up in Belfast for LGBT+ people of faith. Karen feels particularly called to minister outside the Church walls, journeying with people who feel they ‘don’t fit’ in Church.

She has served as Chaplain to two Belfast Lord Mayors.

Latest Stories

REV KAREN: Let's all make a bit of positive mischief

RECENTLY, I had the honour of taking part in a Féile conversation titled 'Alternative Protestants'.

REV KAREN: Sinéad O'Connor – nothing compares to her courage

THE tributes have been pouring in after the tragic death of Sinéad O'Connor. No-one can deny that she had a 'troubled' life, but we must admire her courage to call out the 'trouble' within our societies, including religious institutions. We will never forget her words on live television (with reference to clerical sexual abuse).

REVEREND KAREN: Vital connections that help along life’s journey

WHEN I meet with my mentor, she usually begins our time together by asking me two questions: How are you? Tell me where things are at?

REV KAREN: Finding much-needed inspiration from church pioneers

A FEW weeks ago I flew over to England to spend time with my ministry colleagues. We all gathered from across the UK. All of them are...

REVEREND KAREN: Drawing vital inspiration from church pioneers

A FEW weeks ago I flew over to England to spend time with my ministry colleagues. We all gathered from across the UK. All of them are...

REVEREND KAREN: We keep on keeping on despite the barriers

RECENTLY, a friend asked me a question that stopped me in my tracks. She asked: Why do you choose to stay in a profession that is so oppressive?

REV KAREN: Some months are more difficult than others

IT'S hard to believe that I am approaching three years without my mum. I've shared snippets of my grief journey before, but I honestly thought this year would be different. Perhaps less painful. I confess it isn't.

REVEREND KAREN: Let's start shaping that vision of the future into reality

THE recent election has proved that times are indeed changing. We are long past the days of 'a Protestant state for a Protestant people' and it is important that we recognise that not only are we bigger than two communities, but also our diversity is something to be welcomed and celebrated.

REVEREND KAREN: Let’s keep speaking about the things that matter

IT has been over a year since we have had a functioning Executive. I think it is safe to say that the majority of us are feeling a sense of weariness.

REVEREND KAREN: Let's speak up about the things that matter

IT has been over a year since we have had a functioning Executive. I think it is safe to say that the majority of us are feeling a sense of weariness.

REVEREND KAREN: Room in our country and room in our hearts

RECENTLY a multi-storey barge arrived in the South of England in preparation for housing approximately 500 migrants. Most of us tend to switch off the television and think this isn't our problem. Closer to home, we have protesters claiming 'Ireland is full' and belongs only to Irish people.

REVEREND KAREN: Mothers' faces tell a story of pain and loss

IN the midst of all the recent events celebrating the Good Friday Agreement, the highlight for me was the invitation to attend (and write a blessing) for the 'It is Different for Mothers' event held in Botanic Gardens, Belfast.

REVEREND KAREN: That important place in between Good Friday and Easter

Holy Week provides us with the opportunity to reflect on the final days of Jesus' journey to the cross; his arrival in Jerusalem, washing the feet of his disciples, sharing a meal with a bunch of misfits; forgiving his enemies; and his death on the cross. That moment when he cries out: 'It is finished.'

REVEREND KAREN: In Holy Week, let light break into our dark places

PALM Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week and for many Christians this is an extremely significant week as we take the time to reflect ON the journey to the cross.

REV KAREN SETHURAMAN: Church must not turn its back on our LGBT community

I WAS excited to learn about the recent launch of a new website for LGBT+ people of faith (you can check it out at www.inclusivefaith.lgbt). This new resource seeks to bring together stories, talks, courses, news and events, as well as signposting our LGBT+ Christians to inclusive faith groups.

Gaelic Games: Magherafelt a step ahead of St Brigid's in the Ulster Minor Club Tournament

Soccer: Rosario undone in extra-time by Rathfriland Rangers

NIFL Premiership: Gormley nets second hat-trick of the month as Reds romp to victory

Gaelic Games: Biddies and Magherafelt get the ball rolling at the Ulster Minor Club Football Tournament

OPINION: Praise the Lord, after half-century of decline, Castle St/Queen St is on way back

MINDFUL MOMENT: Here comes the judge - my testing task at Aisling Awards

SQUINTER: Plain-speaking Gordon lays it on the line

DÚLRA: Meadow Ladies are on a nature mission

Rev Karen Sethuraman

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