SEARCH Journal

Autumn 2025

IT WOULD be impossible to ignore the situation in the Middle East, and particularly in Gaza, as we approach the second anniversary of the HAMAS attack on Israeli civilians and what is now widely regarded as Israel’s genocidal response. The deep trauma of the Holocaust is still so overwhelming that accusations of “antisemitism” are routinely levelled at anyone who deplores Netanyahu’s disproportionate response. Yet Jewish opinion is not overwhelmingly supportive. This is shown by the statement of 80 Orthodox rabbis issued in mid-August, reproduced overleaf. It calls the Israeli government to observe the values of justice, mercy and righteousness celebrated in the Hebrew Scriptures. There will be further contributions from Jewish writers in our next issue.

Summer 2025

“COME and have breakfast!” It was surely Jesus’ gracious invitation to his despondent disciples, tired from a hard night’s fishing, that gave them the energy to go out to make disciples of all nations. Likewise in a church whose members have been falling away from exhaustion and lack of sustenance, invitation is what is needed.

Spring 2025

HOW BEST to work and pray for healing for the conflicted and competing nations of the world looks even harder this year than last - and praying for the churches and the life of faith is no easier; but at SEARCH we do what we can to help.

Autumn 2024

Guest Editor Rev Mark Gallagher writes IT HAS BEEN A PRIVILEGE and pleasure to edit this edition of SEARCH. As a medicinal chemist before ordination, the intersection of health and faith has always been close to my heart. We have a wonderful selection of contributors, including new authors for SEARCH.

Summer 2024

CRISES in various areas are addressed in this issue of SEARCH: the deepening shortfall of vocations to ministry in the Church; the anxiety about populism’s threat to responsible democracy in Europe; and current spiritual challenges to the church and individuals, in the face of falling church attendance and rising suicide rates.

Spring 2024

Given the turmoil in the Middle East filling our thoughts and prayers ever since October 7th last, we are thankful that the key leaders of Dublin’s Jewish, Islamic and Church of Ireland communities agreed to come together to reflect on how people of faith should act and pray for peace in the Holy Land. Their conversation heads this issue of SEARCH.