News

NEWS | IN THE ROUND

Moderator nominated to serve a second term

For the first time since 1894, the Church has announced that its current Moderator, Dr David Bruce, will be nominated to serve for a second term of office.

Rev Trevor Gribben, Clerk of the General Assembly and General Secretary, explained that following normal practice, towards the end of 2020, PCI’s presbyteries forwarded to him the names of ministers who they would like to see considered as the denomination’s next Moderator. He then wrote individually to each minister to see if they would be willing to permit their name go forward to the next stage – the selection of the Moderator-Designate, voted separately by presbyteries across Ireland in February.

“When I heard back from each colleague, only one minister, David Bruce, our current Moderator, consented to his name going before presbyteries for consideration, which by convention should have taken place on the first Tuesday in February,” Mr Gribben said.

“Taking an overview of the current situation, with our presbyteries not being able to meet physically, due to current restrictions in both jurisdictions, and the fact that only one name was under consideration, the General Council’s Standing Committee, acting with delegated authority, unanimously agreed that Dr Bruce’s name be forwarded to the General Assembly for appointment as Moderator for the 2021–2022 church year.”

Speaking about the decision, Dr Bruce said, “I am of course, deeply honoured to be asked by our Church to be its next Moderator. To be considered for a second time is also truly humbling. When I was first nominated a year ago, no one could have possibly anticipated the challenges that we would face the following month, let alone a year on. The whole of our society – indeed the entire world – has had to face a pandemic which has devastated economies, destabilised governments and led to the deaths of millions of people. Perhaps the world will never know the full cost of the spread of Covid-19 and its variants.

“In addition, and in Ireland, north and south, 2020 began and ended with Brexit, the complex implications of which are being played out before us right now. The Church currently finds itself unable to meet face to face for worship, and with its normal programme of activities heavily curtailed. Ministers, pastors and priests of all traditions are reinventing their patterns of life, while doing their utmost to act in support of families, many of which are in crisis. These are difficult days for us all.”

Dr Bruce continued, “But in the midst of this, there is hope – just as the dawn comes after a dark night, and spring arrives after a long winter, for the Christian, resurrection bursts upon us after the devastation of the crucifixion. As Moderator, I will aim to bring a message of hope in the coming year, with the prayer that when the restrictions begin to lift and the amazing vaccines, which have been offered to us all, begin to have their effect, we will emerge again, ready to serve and love and worship as God’s people. This is not a time for grand promises and detailed plans. This is a time for careful reflection and faithful trust that God will see us through. There is hope.”

The Moderator concluded by saying, “My wife Zoe and I hope that, regulations permitting, we may be able to travel across Ireland to visit and encourage congregations, and presbyteries during the year. We pray for our overseas partners in some of the poorest regions of the world, and hope that we might be able to offer encouragement to them by standing with them in solidarity as they seek to bear witness to Christ in face of unimaginable challenges. In short, we hope to serve the Church in this year, and by doing so, to honour Christ who has loved us and called us.”

New Bible resource

Bible Society NI has launched a new resource called ‘52’ in order to inspire generations within the church to engage more meaningfully with the Bible.

Designed to take readers on a journey of discovery through the Bible, 52 explores 28 Old Testament and 24 New Testament passages and applies them to everyday lives. Each month’s guide comes with the weekly passage and a timeline of where it fits into the Bible’s big story, as well as study questions, activities, prayers, journal pages and lots more. The resource is currently being released monthly and is available free of charge from Bible Society NI’s website: https://biblesocietyni.co.uk/2020/12/14/52-bible-resource/

The charity is also hosting a Zoom meeting on Wednesday 28 April at 11am. This will be an opportunity to hear and share stories from lockdown, and to pray for Bible ministry across Northern Ireland. For more information and to register, visit @biblesocietyni on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter or visit www.biblesocietyni.co.uk

Remembering the Holocaust

On 27 January each year, the anniversary of the liberation of concentration and death camp, Auschwitz-Birkenau in 1945, is commemorated as International Holocaust Memorial Day.

Speaking on the 76th anniversary of the liberation, PCI Moderator Dr David Bruce said it is “crucially important that we pause for these moments and reflect, not only upon what happened, but the circumstances that led to such outrageous acts of inhumanity.

“In normal times, on the closest Sunday to the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, I would have represented our Church at Ireland’s annual event at the Mansion House in Dublin, to remember and commemorate the six million Jewish men, women and children, and the millions of other victims of the Holocaust, murdered by the Nazi regime and their collaborators across Europe. This year it was a privilege to watch the special livestream from a hall, filled symbolically, with empty chairs,” Dr Bruce said.

“It is so important that we continue to mark and remember this horrific disgrace in human history so that each succeeding generation re-learns the lessons and remains determined not to repeat these horrors. We must be ready to call out loud and courageously, often not an easy thing to do, when the smallest seeds of evil are sown,” he added.

Myanmar: Church leaders write to Foreign Secretary

Following the recent military coup in Myanmar, PCI Moderator Dr David Bruce has joined with his Scottish counterpart in urging the UK government to “do all that it can to ensure the restoration of democracy which fully respects the November election”.

Dr Bruce made the call with the Moderator of the Church of Scotland, Dr W. Martin Fair, in a joint letter to the Foreign Secretary, Dominic Raab MP. Both Churches have worked closely with the Presbyterian Church of Myanmar (PCM) for many years.

In their letter, the two Church leaders said, “Our shock at the news of the military coup on 1 February was all the sharper because of our concern for our friends in PCM and the implications of the takeover by General Min Aung Hlaing.

“Myanmar suffered 49 years of brutal military rule that ended as recently as 2011. In the past decade people have enjoyed increasing freedoms, some political progress and increased, if imperfect, economic growth. The fate of the Rohingya people shows that not all in Myanmar are treated equally.

“We fully endorse a statement released by the Presbyterian Church in Myanmar in condemning oppression and calling for the release from house arrest of the State Counsellor, [Aung San Suu Kyi] President [Win Myint] and other elected leaders without exception.”

IN THE ROUND | NEWS

Call to stop flawed dying bill

In its response to Oireachtas Committee on Justice’s consultation on the Dying with Dignity Bill 2020, the Presbyterian Church in Ireland has said that it would “leave vulnerable members of our society open to abuse, duress or the weight of a perceived expectation that they will relieve others of the burden of caring for them…” TDs were also warned that it was “poorly drafted” and contained “no robust or sufficient safeguards”. In short, PCI’s submission stated that the Bill should not proceed.

Highlighting the key points raised by the PCI panel that advises the Church on social, political and economic matters in the State, former Moderator Dr Trevor Morrow said, “This Bill, which is poorly drafted and deeply flawed, raises serious and fundamental questions about the value that is placed on human life in Ireland, something that we firmly believe to be a gift from God.

“Our experience as pastors is that the components that contribute to a peaceful and dignified death are social, emotional, financial and spiritual. By focusing so restrictedly on the physical aspects of dying, this legislation fails to take account of these factors which can help to mitigate, or exacerbate, human suffering and distress.”

Dr Morrow continued, “It is notable that the Irish Association for Palliative Care has recommended that there should be no change in the law in order to legalise euthanasia. We believe that, rather than passing this Bill, TDs would be better focusing their time and energy on improving the care needs of those approaching the end of their lives in a consistent manner, providing support to help them live as well as possible in the time that they have left to them.”

Book launched

Former PCI Moderator Dr Ian McNie has written an evangelistic booklet called Road to Freedom.

Available from Faith Mission Bookshops, the booklet emphasises the importance of becoming a child of God, and how our relationship with God can be real and personal.

Photo by Kuzzat Altay on Unsplash

Faith leaders condemn potential Uyghur genocide

More than 50 Irish faith leaders, including Rev Alan McQuade (minister of First Monaghan and Smithborough Presbyterian churches), have signed a statement condemning the persecution of the Uyghurs and other Muslims in Xinjiang, China.

The statement comes after British lawyers found that there was a ‘very credible case’ that the Chinese government was committing genocide against the Uyghurs.

It says, “At least one million Uyghur and other Muslims in China are incarcerated in prison camps facing starvation, torture, murder, sexual violence, slave labour and forced organ extraction. Outside the camps, basic religious freedom is denied… Research reveals a campaign of forced sterilisation and birth prevention targeting at least 80% of Uyghur women of childbearing age in the four Uyghur-populated prefectures – an action which, according to the 1948 Genocide Convention, could elevate this to the level of genocide.

“As faith leaders we are neither activists nor policymakers. But we have a duty to call our communities to their responsibilities to look after their fellow human beings and act when they are in danger… We urge people of faith and conscience everywhere to join us: in prayer, solidarity and action to end these mass atrocities. We make a simple call for justice, to investigate these crimes, hold those responsible to account and establish a path.”

Public Affairs news

Through the Council for Public Affairs, PCI has continued to seek to have its voice heard in the public square on a range of issues.

With colleagues from the Transferor Representatives’ Council, a presentation was made in November 2020 to the Expert Panel on Educational Underachievement. This was an opportunity to highlight positive contributions that churches are making to local schools in terms of pastoral support and initiatives like homework clubs.

In January 2021, a small group led by former Moderator Dr Trevor Morrow, and with input from medical and legal professionals, made a submission to the Oireachtas Committee on Justice as it considered the Dying with Dignity Bill. The Republic of Ireland Panel also contributed to the Future of Media Commission on public broadcasting.

In February, the Human Dignity Panel, convened by Rev John Mullan, made a response to a consultation on a Bill of Rights for Northern Ireland. The response cautioned against the creation of lengthy lists of rights that create competition between individuals and groups, and ignore the role of relationships in cultivating a flourishing society.

Also in February, Lindsay Conway (Secretary to the Council for Social Witness) and Karen Jardine (Public Affairs Officer) gave evidence to the NI Assembly Committee for Communities as part of its consideration of new licensing legislation. This included an opportunity to highlight the work of Carlisle House, whilst seeking protections for workers impacted by later opening hours and the relaxation of restrictions over Easter.

IN BRIEF

Christian helpline

The National Christian Helpline has launched a new resource aimed at helping to tackle isolation after receiving funding from the UK government’s coronavirus emergency fund.

‘Call and Care’ aims to encourage churches, organisations and community groups to reach out and support people in their communities by equipping and training local volunteers to make contact by telephone.

It is hoped the launch of Call and Care will go some way to resourcing churches to reach those people and connect more with those feeling isolated. As part of the project, churches and community groups will be offered free video training to help prepare the call-makers for their role.

For information, to view the free videos and to sign-up please go to www.callandcare.org.uk

Poll shows improvement in church image

A new poll has found that the perception of the church amongst non-Christians is improving.

The survey commissioned in partnership by YourNeighbour and international Christian children’s charity World Vision, found that those who do not identify as Christian were more likely, since the Covid pandemic, to agree with the statement that the UK church is making a positive difference in the world – 25% today compared with 19% three years ago. More than one in three (36%) of the total UK population agree that Christian churches are making a positive difference in the world.

NEWS | IN THE ROUND

CF fundraising appeal

Due to Covid-19, Cystic Fibrosis Ireland cannot proceed with its 65 Roses Day collections on Friday 9 April. Members of the public are instead being encouraged to support people with cystic fibrosis (CF) on 65 Roses Day by donating online at 65RosesDay.ie or taking part in a 65 Roses Challenge.

There are approximately 1,400 people living with CF in Ireland – the highest incidence of CF in the world per head of population. 65 Roses Day gets its name from the way children often first say the words ‘cystic fibrosis’, and monies raised go to support a range of services. Dublin GAA star Bernard Brogan and TV host Muireann O’Connell officially launched the fundraising appeal in Dublin recently. Full details are available at http://65RosesDay.ie

Sharing hope this Easter

For Easter 2021, Moderator Dr David Bruce has recorded an online service available to all via the PCI website.

Along with the service, other material has been produced that focuses on the Church’s theme, ‘Hope at Easter’. These include blogs, the Tides devotional, a podcast and a special Let’s Pray, encouraging focused prayer across the denomination over the Easter weekend. A special recording of a new hymn, written by PCI’s Public Affair’s Officer Karen Jardine, with Jonathan Rea, has been made, featuring contributions from members of PCI from home and abroad. The service, short film and other available material can be found at www.presbyterianireland. org/hopeateaster

Choose a caring career

Through its Council for Social Witness, PCI provides a wide variety of care services across NI and ROI. The work includes caring for older people; those with a physical or mental disability; ex-offenders; and people with addiction.

As the Church continues to provide excellence in care for residents and service users, they also strive to create a caring and supportive working environment for staff. There is often a range of job roles available at either a full-time or part-time basis. Depending on the role, previous experience is not always required, as full training will be provided.

Opportunities on offer can include: care assistant, senior care assistant, domestic assistant, laundry assistant, deputy home manager, home manager, nurse, support worker, substance misuse practitioner and social worker.

If you’d like to find out more about joining the PCI family or the roles currently available contact the Personnel Department.

Call: +44 (0)28 9041 7239 Email: personnel@presbyterianireland.org Visit: www.presbyterianireland.org/jobs

Mother and baby homes report

PCI Moderator Dr David Bruce said the publication of a Northern Ireland Department of Healthcommissioned report into mother and baby homes sheds much-needed light on a dark era in history.

“The times and circumstances covered by the report make for deeply uncomfortable reading. The terrible cost to every mother and child who suffered in such institutions is upsetting for all of us in society.

“Those children who survived, who have now been given opportunity to share their stories, along with their mothers who they may never have known, are an ongoing and courageous witness to an era in which the state, society and the churches failed to show compassion to some of the most vulnerable in their care. The report sheds much-needed light on a dark era in Northern Ireland’s history and speaks more of the inhumanity shown to mothers and their babies and their wider families at that time, than the Christian care and compassion they deserved. In any forthcoming inquiry, or process, we will certainly cooperate as far as we are able…”

Dr Bruce concluded by saying, “With regards to our own history, we will need to reflect on the findings of this report, and our own association with, for example, what became the Edgar Home in Belfast, which closed some 93 years ago.

“We deeply regret and unreservedly apologise for the damaging effects of institutional care, in which the Presbyterian Church in Ireland, or its members played a part. We pray that those who still live with the memories of those days will know and experience the peace of God which may only be found in Christ’s love.”

PCI support for abortion amendment bill

The Presbyterian Church in Ireland has given its support to a private member’s bill in the Northern Ireland Assembly, which seeks to remove the diagnosis of non-fatal disability as a sole ground for accessing abortion.

PCI Moderator Dr David Bruce said MLA Paul Givan’s Severe Fetal Impairment Abortion (Amendment) Bill in the Assembly attempts to protect children in the womb after 12 weeks who develop conditions like club foot and cleft palate, as well as Down’s syndrome.

“We vigorously opposed the imposition of abortion legislation by Westminster on Northern Ireland, as we believed at the time, as we continue to maintain today, that it would create the most extreme and most liberal abortion regime anywhere in these islands, which it has done,” Dr Bruce said.

“There are many aspects of the current legislation we find morally wrong and unjustifiable and we welcome Mr Givan’s Bill, as it seeks to provide protection for children where there is a diagnosis of nonfatal disability before birth…”

Dr Bruce concluded by saying, “I hope our elected representatives will give due consideration to this Bill. At the same time, I also hope and pray that they will see the need to provide excellent perinatal care in every part of Northern Ireland for every woman facing a pregnancy crisis. Practical, emotional and spiritual support for women and their families is absolutely essential if we are truly committed as a society to life, wellbeing and human dignity.”