Elaine Way is rector's churchwarden at St Canice's, Eglinton and a diocesan panel member for safeguarding. She has two grown-up children, Kathryn (27) and Michael (25), and a grandson who's almost three.
. Can you tell us something about your background?
A. I am a former chief executive of the Western Health and Social Care Trust (retired July 2017) and previously with the Altnagelvin and Foyle Trusts. I was appointed CBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours list in 2012 and awarded an honorary doctorate by Ulster University in 2018.
I am the youngest of four children in a lower middle-class Belfast family. My father, George, was a sales representative and my mother, Rosemary (nee Smythe), stayed at home until I was in my mid-teens to rear the family. I always felt loved and encouraged, which was central in developing my self-confidence and self-esteem. I tried to adopt the same approach with my own children, Kathryn (27) and Michael (25). I must have done something right as they're still speaking to me. I have a grandson, who is almost three and I spoil him rotten. I was educated at Carolan Girls' Grammar School and Queen's University, Belfast, where I read Modern History.
Q. How and when did you come to faith?
A. My father wasn't keen on Church, at first, so my mother and grandmother had me baptised "secretly" at home by the local Methodist minister. I was, however, allowed to go to a little group run by two retired Baptist missionaries, Dr and Mrs Kearney, who had a profound impact on my faith journey. I loved learning the Bible stories and uplifting gospel songs and I was a dab hand at sword drill. When my father found faith, we attended St Jude's Parish Church on the Ormeau Road in Belfast. St Jude's became central to my life and faith development, through its worship and my membership of the choir, Sunday School and Girls' Brigade. I was confirmed and married there. You could say I was steeped in the Church of Ireland and have never left it.
Q. Does this faith play a real part in your life, or is it only for Sundays?
A. I tend to see my faith in a similar way to CS Lewis, when he wrote: "I believe in Christianity as I believe that the Sun has risen, not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else."
Q. Have you ever had a crisis of faith, or a gnawing doubt about your faith?
A. No, but I'm constantly seeking a deeper understanding. I'm about to join an online Alpha programme and I know it will be relevant and helpful.
Q. Have you ever been angry with God? And, if so, why?
A. I've been angry with Church leaders and members - and they with me - but never with God.
Q. Do you ever get criticised for your faith? And are you able to live with that criticism?
A. I can't recall being openly criticised. I've had people test me on why I believe what I believe and that can be challenging.
Q. Are you ever ashamed of your own Church, or denomination?
A. Never. I've been saddened by what some individuals within the Church have done, such as we learned about in the recent child sex abuse inquiry into the Church of England. Years ago, I did the prizegiving at St Cecilia's College in Derry. I spoke of the importance of the three "Fs" in my life - Foyle (the Trust I ran back then), Family and Faith - and said I was a faithful member of the Church of Ireland. I learned later that some girls had asked their teacher what the Church of Ireland was. When explained, the girls tutted: "Why didn't she just say she was a Protestant?"
Q. Are you afraid to die? Or can you look beyond death?
A. I'm not afraid of death, but I am concerned about the pain of loss my loved ones may experience and not being around long enough to love my grandson.
Q. Are you afraid of hell?
A. The Cross gives me hope that I'll be going in the right direction.
Q. Do you believe in a resurrection? And, if so, what will it be like?
A. Yes. I'll just have to trust God for the details of what it will be like.
Q. What do you think about people of other denominations and other faiths?
A. I celebrate them. While I believe in one who is "The Truth", there is truth in all religions.
Q. Would you be comfortable in stepping out from your own faith and trying to learn something from other people?
A. Yes. I'd sit and have a conversation with them - the way Jesus did when He asked questions of the Jewish leaders.
Q. Do you think that the Churches here are fulfilling their mission?
A. I can't speak for all Churches, but my own, St Canice's, Eglinton, is focused on proclaiming and incarnating God's kingdom in the community.
Q. Why are so many people turning their backs on organised religion?
A. I'm not sure they are. It's just that modern life, with things like Sunday sports and shopping, makes it difficult for people to stay connected. They'll return, eventually. Covid-19 has been a real wake-up call.
Q. Has religion helped, or hindered, the people of Northern Ireland?
A. Christianity has definitely helped. Unfortunately, people often confuse politics and religion.
Q. Where do you feel closest to God?
A. In a Church building, if I'm the only person in it, or on a beach, with panoramic views of hills.
Q. What is your favourite film, book and music, and why?
A. The film is Scent of a Woman. Al Pacino plays a blind army veteran babysat by a student who needs the money. Inspirational and stirring speeches. The book is All Shall Be Well by Joan Wilson and Alf McCreary, a powerful insight into coping with grief. For music, Handel's Messiah - great music.
Q. What inscription would you like on your gravestone, if any?
A. In my work life, I understood the importance of clear communication. A great friend suggested my inscription should be, "She is clearly dead". I'd be happy with that.
Q. Have you any major regrets?
A. I don't have major regrets, but I would have liked to have had my children at a younger age, so that I could spend more time with them.
