NEWS | IN THE ROUND On these steps The Presbyterian Church in Ireland marked the centenary of the creation of Northern Ireland and the partition of Ireland in 1921 with a special event at Union Theological College in Belfast, which 100 years ago, became the first home of the parliament of Northern Ireland. In holding ‘On these steps’, PCI wanted to acknowledge the role that its college played in the momentous events of 100 years ago, but also create space to hear different perspectives and build relationships. Recognising the diversity of views around this significant anniversary, the Church invited civic and political representatives from across the UK and Ireland, including Ireland’s Church leaders, who heard the Moderator, Dr Bruce, give a reflective address that spoke to all traditions represented at the event. Ian McBride, the Foster professor of Irish History at the University of Oxford, brought a historical perspective.
PCI welcomes demise of Republic’s ‘seriously flawed’ assisted dying Bill The Presbyterian Church in Ireland has welcomed the decision by the Irish Parliament’s Committee on Justice not to progress the Dying with Dignity Bill 2020. In a statement, former Moderator Dr Trevor Morrow, convener of the PCI panel that advises the Church on social, political and economic matters in the Republic of Ireland, said, “This issue raises the most fundamental questions about the value that is placed on human life in Ireland. We therefore welcome the decision by the Oireachtas Committee on Justice not to progress the Bill, essentially because of the serious flaws they found contained within the proposed legislation.
Dr Morrow said, “As a denomination, we firmly believe that life is a gift from God, and the components that contribute to a peaceful and dignified death are not only physical, but also social, emotional, financial and spiritual. The true measure of any society can be estimated in how it treats its most vulnerable, and ensuring that those made vulnerable through illness and distress are well supported is a priority for us all. In that respect our legislators would be better to focus on how the care needs of those approaching the end of life can be improved in a consistent manner across Ireland that affirms every person’s inherent dignity.”
Killeter history charted
Bible translation continues Despite a year of lockdowns and travel restrictions, the work of Wycliffe Bible Translators has continued to progress, with the number of languages with a complete Bible rising to 717, up from 704 last year. The number of languages with a complete New Testament has risen to 1,582, up from 1,551 last year. A further 1,196 languages have some portion of the Bible translated.
James Poole, executive director of Wycliffe, said, “These latest figures are so encouraging. It’s not just the increasing numbers – it’s what they represent. As we look back over the past year, we can rejoice with the many millions of people who can now read God’s Word in their own language for the first time. That means they will be able to grasp the gospel message more easily, to know Jesus through the Bible, and be transformed by the power of God’s Word.”
Business as usual The Presbyterian Herald will return to normal service, with 10 issues planned for 2022. The cost to receive the magazine through a congregational agent is £15 or 18 Euro. PDF copies will be available to download from: www.presbyterianireland.org/herald or to access the digital version go to: issuu.com/presbyterianireland
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Herald Autumn 2021
A new publication recording the history of Killeter Presbyterian Church is now available. Founded in 1798, Killeter is situated in the townland of Maghernageeragh in the west of County Tyrone. The publication documents the improvements to the church building, its various ministers and the toll on the congregation by the Great War and the Troubles, as well as summer fêtes, special events and services, and the annual excursion to Bundoran and Portrush.
Churches to be showcased A project to showcase Northern Ireland’s beautiful church and chapel buildings is currently underway. Photographs taken by Laura McIlveen will be used on the National Churches Trust’s ‘Explore Churches’ tourism website to inspire visitors to discover the architecture and history of Northern Ireland’s faith heritage. Nina McNeary, the National Churches Trust’s church support officer for Northern Ireland, said, “Northern Ireland has an amazingly rich heritage of church and chapel buildings... High quality photographs will help to increase the number of people visiting churches in Northern Ireland for days out or as part of a holiday.” The photography forms part of the National Churches Trust’s Treasure Ireland project to support historic places of worship in Northern Ireland. Treasure Ireland has been funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, the Pilgrim Trust and the Department for Communities.
