On Religion, Politics and Social Affairs relevant to today.
Dear Sir On reading the excellent analysis of Ben Lowry (Newsletter 11 June) on the Loughinisland Report, I decided that I should read the complete Report for myself. This is thorough and detailed Report not only of the atrocity itself but also of ‘pre-cursor incidents’. A number of points need to be highlighted. The Police Ombudsman makes some significant statements
Read moreWhat does the Bible Really Teach About Homosexuality? (Publisher: IVP £7.99) by Kevin DeYoung (Senior Pastor, University Reformed Church, East Lansing, Michigan) ooOoo In this book the American pastor Kevin DeYoung offers us some clear Biblical insights into the current debate on this subject. Making the clear distinction, between same-sex attraction and same-sex activity, this book is conveniently divided into
Read moreDear Sir, Now that the furore has died down over the conflict on the Ormeau Road on Easter Tuesday it may be a good time to reflect on what is expected from those on parade. The Parades Commission has produced Guidelines which are available on-line or hard copy from the Commission. The present Guidelines date from 2005 and are appended
Read moreDear Sir, King Solomon in his wisdom advised that there was “a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;” (Ecclesiastes 3:7). Unfortunately Sammy Heenan (Letters March 12) has chosen to ignore such advice. May I state from the outset that I joined the Loyal Orange Institution of Ireland in 1964 because I believed in the core values of
Read moreThe inconsistency of the Orange Order when it comes to talking to terrorist linked political parties Combined unionist and Orange pledge on parading on 10 July 2014 Dear Sir, I note with interest (News, February 29) that a memorial has been unveiled in Londonderry in memory of eight Orangemen murdered during the Troubles. One of those listed on the memorial
Read moreI note with some interest that the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland are to seek yet another meeting with the Secretary of State to “register yet again our discontentment with this unacceptable situation”. (February 29) Are the Grand Lodge offices totally ignorant of the wise advice previously given from two sources? The Parades Commission, who commented in their July 2013 determination:
Read moreHaving read and heard much about the ‘offensive’ painting I decided that I should go out of my way personally see this object of offence. (Some may suggest that I went out of my way to be offended) I visited the Museum on Tuesday and indeed I was also offended, but for different reasons, which I officially recorded. In
Read morePublished on the ‘Political MindFields’ Blog Site By Rev Brian Kennaway 15/10/2015 When my book was reviewed in History Ireland (May/June 2006) the reviewer, Kevin Haddick-Flynn commented: “He seeks to convince us that the Order’s true values, enshrined in its ordinances and constitution, are compatible with tolerance and equality, and that a reformed Order, true to its history, would
Read moreSir, – While I have no wish to prolong this discussion I must respond to Prof Paul Carmichel (October 3rd). In 1988 the Presbyterian Church in Ireland revised its understanding of the confession by declaring, “the historical interpretation of the pope of Rome as the personal and literal fulfilment of the Biblical figure of ‘the antichrist’ and ‘the man of
Read moreSir, – Since my letter of September 26th some contributors have missed the essential point of what was written, and even taken the “scenic route” around the subject. The Presbyterian Church in Ireland is a confessional church. That in effect means that the church’s ministers and elders who sign the Westminster Confession, as a confession of their faith, are tied
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