On Religion, Politics and Social Affairs relevant to today.
May I take issue with, and correct, some of the statements of your Religion Correspondent (Saturday Review June 9)? “Presbyterian traditionalists appear long on preaching and short on love”. To identify those who hold Biblical truth as ‘traditionalists’ – is ironic given the fact that the Presbyterian Church holds to the ‘supreme authority of the Word of God’ as opposed
Read moreI have read with much interest the series of interviews with politicians conducted by Claire McNeilly. The question whose answer I find most interesting is: “You believe in God, do you have a strong faith?” On many occasions the answer is along the line – “I do. My faith matters to me.” This answer intrigues me when no evidence is
Read moreMay I congratulate C D C Armstrong on his opinion piece (Newsletter 13th April) “New ‘Brownie’ claim adds to the Gerry Adams-IRA controversy”? It was certainly well spotted to note the admission in Danny Morrison’s tribute in the Irish Times on February 9, that: “I have known Gerry Adams 46 years. In 1975, as editor of Republican News, I asked
Read moreThe 1998 agreement has been implemented neither in spirit nor in practice. On a recent visit to New York, I fulfilled a long-held ambition to walk over the famous Brooklyn Bridge. The construction of this bridge was not without its difficulties, particularly from the corrupt Tammany Hall political machine. This, however, was not the only difficulty the builders faced. While they were
Read moreI read with some incredulity the statement by the Rev. Mervyn Gibson (BT 2/4/18) “We have 335 reasons not to meet Sinn Fein, insists Orange Order’” His statement is incredulous for a number of reasons: Firstly Mr Gibson is quoted as saying: “We would not be in a position, nor would we wish to, meet the president of Sinn Fein
Read moreThe 26th April 2018 marks the 500th anniversary of ‘The Heidelberg Disputation’. As we marked ‘Luther 500’ last year it was disappointing that so little attention was given to this seminal event which reveals the depth of Luther’s spirituality. Carl Truman called it: “One of the theologically foundational events for later Lutheranism.” ADVERTISED: “Brother Martin Luther, Master of Sacred Theology,
Read moreI read with some personal interest the article by Niall Deeney (12 March) “Londonderry’s ‘Protestant exodus’: when they burned the church hall, we knew we had to move.” I share the confusion expressed by Doris Carruthers concerning the report published by the Pat Finucane Centre, which claimed that intimidation against Protestants was not the “principal cause” of the ‘migration’. This
Read moreThe following correspondence with reference to Oliver Cromwell appeared in the Belfast News Letter between 16- 22 February 2018 There is no unionist hero worship of Cromwell In all my seven and a half decades living in Northern Ireland I have never once heard a unionist or Protestant refer to Cromwell as their hero and role model, as indicated by
Read moreBefore the Barry McElduff saga is placed in the history books a number to things should be noted. The video incident which was the immediate cause of his demise must be seen in the context of his previous behaviour. This includes his support for the East Tyrone IRA who met their fate at Loughgall, and his adulation of Raymond McCresh,
Read moreThe saga of the recent sectarian outburst of Barry McElduff MP is just another sorry milestone in the political history of Northern Ireland, which is littered with such uncharitable words and actions. The fact that Sinn Fein has only suspended him for three months effectively gives him a three months holiday, and adds insult to injury. This reaction of Sinn
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