TRIBUTES have been paid to preacher, author and broadcaster, Rev Dr Colin Morris who has died aged 89.
Dr Morris, a past president of the Methodist Conference, has been described as "one of the most effective and thoughtful communicators".
He was also a former head of religious broadcasting and controller of BBC Northern Ireland from 1987 to 1991.
Born in Bolton, following his ordination he served as a missionary in Zambia and was later elected as the first President of the United Church of Zambia.
He became a close friend of President Kenneth Kaunda, with whom he worked with during negotiations for Zambia's independence.
Regarded as a gifted speaker, he became a regular broadcaster for the BBC.
In 1978, he was appointed head of BBC television religious programmes and later became an adviser to the director-general before becoming controller of BBC NI.
Rev Canon Gareth J Powell, secretary of the Methodist Conference, said: "Colin Morris was one of the most effective and thoughtful communicators of a generation.
"He took the task seriously, was alert to the contexts in which he served, and above all he waited on God."