Tribute to Rev Kathy Galloway
Published on 29 August 2025 1 minute read
With thanks to the Iona Community who have provided the following tribute to Rev Kathy Galloway, a former leader of the Iona Community and Christian Aid Scotland, and one of the first female ministers to be ordained.
"A blessing on our departures
Without them, we cannot walk the way."
It is with so much sorrow that we share news that Kathy Galloway, former Leader of the Iona Community, has died. She had been facing a very recent cancer diagnosis, complicated by sepsis.
We grieve with her loved ones the passing of their mother, sister, grandmother, friend. And we mourn with the world the loss of a truly prophetic voice of faith for justice, peace and the radically urgent transformation of unjust structures.
Kathy was an inspiration, companion and role model not only for the wider world, but also of course for so many of us in the Iona Community. She influenced thousands of people with her compassion, radical voice for justice, wise words and powerful leadership. She was co-Warden of Iona Abbey in the 1980s and editor of the Coracle magazine in the 1990s. In 2001, Kathy was the first woman to be elected as Leader of the Iona Community, serving in that role until 2009 and then again in the 2010s.
Her poetry and prose writing, widely shared, speaks eloquently of the pain, passion and purpose of life on God's good yet oh so fragile Earth. Even from her hospital bed, Kathy remained fully engaged in the launch of PalCafe in Glasgow to support the people of Palestine. Her voice and her actions for justice will live on.
Kathy's death will be mourned by many around the globe including dear friends in the Church of Scotland, Christian Aid and Church Action on Poverty. For her life and her witness we give thanks to God as we now bless her on her last journey.
Condolence cards
Cards of condolence can be sent to the Iona Community office. Their staff team will ensure that every message is passed on to Kathy's family.
The address is:
Suite 9 Fairfield,
1048 Govan Road, Glasgow
G51 4XS,
Scotland, UK
