I Beg to Differ: Ministry amid the teargas

by Peter Storey

'Let me say to Mr apartheid is doomed! It has been condemned in the Councils of God, rejected by every nation on the planet ... Apartheid is the god that has failed.' So preached Bishop Peter Storey of the Methodist Church of SA in 1986. Challenging apartheid wherever he could, he led the church into what many whites saw as uncomfortable 'political' territory. Storey tells us how faith helped him amid the teargas and intimidation of the apartheid regime.

508 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 28, 2018

Reviews

[Kaylin Verbrugge · Rating 5 out of 5]

“‘What is wrong with the American church,’ Stanley Hauerwas asked me. ‘You’re too rich,’ I replied. ‘Is that all?’ he replied. ‘Yep,’ I said” (385).

Biographies are changing my life. This was one of the best books I’ve ever read.

Peter Storey taught at Duke for seven years, after decades of leadership within the church against the apartheid government. I am here in South Africa this summer because of his presence. I’m astounded by his life, and grateful to begin to pray that my own life would serve the impoverished and oppressed like his. Where is God? With those who are suffering. May Christ grant the American church the courage to live like the South African church.

[Georgina · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I Beg to Differ - Ministry Amid the Teargas" is the autobiography of Peter Storey, a methodist minister who was very active in the anti-apartheid movement. His political awakening came when he served as chaplain to the Rivonia prisoners on Robben Island (because he had been in the navy and relished the opportunity to ride a boat out to see once a week). He went on to support the Mandela family through the years, and to play an active role in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

His participation in some of the pivotal events of South Africa's history are reason enough alone to read his book, but what stood out for me was the incredible person that Peter seems to be - always on the right side of any political or religious act, with thought and insight, and a deep sense of love for his family and fellow man. In the final chapter of his book, he talks about his disappointment with his church for dismissing a woman minister who openly lived with another woman.

I thought that "I Beg to Differ" was an important reflection on apartheid and what came after, as well as a beautiful insight into a truly extraordinary mind.

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m very glad I read this book. It was a fascinating read to hear the story of Peter Storey, which is the story of South Africa during the ending of apartheid and the story of the church. The issues raised by his experience have resonances in both my life, and in the church, and in life in this nation. It’s a remarkable life. It’s well told. And I’m very grateful that he took the time to sit down and tell this.

[Dermot Thornberry · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Great Methodist Leader!

I would recommend this book to those interested in faith during a time of crisis whether political or personal. An inspiring read.