The Rev Dr Inderjit Bhogal has been appointed the next leader of the Corrymeela Community in Northern Ireland.

He succeeds Dr David Stevens, who died last May, as leader of the internationally renowned community founded in 1965 to foster dialogue and reconciliation.

The Nairobi-born Dr Bhogal is former President of the British Methodist Conference. For the last five years, he has been Chief Executive of the Yorkshire and Humber Faiths Forum, and United Faiths, its interfaith youth council.

Dr Bhogal is also the Chair and founder of the much acclaimed City of Sanctuary, a national movement that was started in Sheffield to build a culture of welcome and hospitality for people seeking sanctuary in the UK.

Looking to the future, Dr Bhogal said the Corrymeela Community would work together to address economic, ecumenical and ecological issues, as well as political and religious extremism, sectarianism and racism.

"We will work with each other and with our partners to play our part to end hatred and hostility and to build harmonious and hospitable communities that celebrate diversity and in which all are welcome, belong equally, have sanctuary and are safe," he said.

"The Northern Ireland context has changed significantly. Diversity is much more complex now. Future peace in Northern Ireland will grow from the ability of people from many different traditions to accommodate their differences and build on their similarities. I am looking forward to life and ministry in Northern Ireland and being part of the future of Corrymeela.”

He also paid tribute to his predecessor, saying Dr Stevens had left a “great legacy”.

The Rev Dr Martyn Atkins, General Secretary of the Methodist Church, said: “I’m sure that the community in Corrymeela will enjoy getting to know Inderjit who is a loved and respected Methodist minister. His commitment to racial justice, interfaith relationships and ‘cities of sanctuary’ across the country has been exceptional.

“As a former President of the Methodist Conference, and as a leader for many other groups, organisations and bodies, Inderjit will bring a wealth of experience to his new role.

“I know that the Methodist people will support him, and the significant ministry of the Corrymeela community, in their prayers.”

Kate Pettis MBE, Interim Leader of the Corrymeela Community said: "Inderjit brings to us gifts in abundance.

“His life's work, informed by his Christian principles, has been centred on peace building, and is evidenced in his commitment to the building of Inter-faith relationships and to working for the achievement of racial justice.

“We believe our vision for the future which inspired the creation of Corrymeela is safe in his hands and we look forward to his leadership."

The Corrymeela Community was founded prior to the Troubles in 1965 by Rev Dr Ray Davey. He was inspired by his experiences on the frontline in World War Two, where he learned the importance of accommodating differences.

His vision for Corrymeela was of a place where the process of healing and living together could begin. Today the community continues to create safe spaces where people can engage in dialogue, learn from one another and build new relationships with others.