The Rev. Kathy Galloway
First woman to be elected leader of the Iona Community
Minister, feminist, social justice leader, writer and poet, Kathy Galloway was one of the first women ordained in the Church of Scotland in 1977 and has been a passionate voice for the poor in her ministry, life and writings ever since. She has published as author or editor 16 books on subjects ranging from Christian theology and devotion, to social justice for women and the poor, to collections of her poetry.
In 2002, she was elected as the first woman Leader of the Iona Community, during which time she oversaw the building of a new Welcome Centre , renovation of the ecological outdoor centre at Camas on Mull, and staff accommodations. Yet, her legacy is found in her activism against poverty, in her speaking out against injustice and for equality for women.
She began her ministry as an assistant at Muirhouse Church in Edinburgh for three years and then was the first Coordinator of Edinburgh Peace and Justice Centre, addressing issues such as the arms trade and apartheid. From there she went to Iona to be the Co-Warden for six years, followed by years working in Glasgow as a freelance practical theologian, speaking and writing from a context of engagement, including organising a network on sexual abuse in the religious context. In 2009, she became Head of Christian Aid in Scotland, addressing humanitarian needs throughout the world, a position she currently holds.
When asked, what has motivated her to be such an advocate for justice, she credits her family upbringing, her membership of the Iona Community and her belief in Jesus. She is the eldest of four children of the Rev. Jack Orr, himself a member of the Iona Community, and Janet Johnson Orr, a dedicated teacher, who brought up all their children to stand for equality for the poor and discriminated against. Kathy is the mother of two sons and one daughter and a happy grandmother of a granddaughter.
Rona Harding
Source:
Galloway, Kathy. Interview 2014
