TWO potentially contentious issues loyalist parades and a charismatic practice called the Toronto Blessing were discussed at the Presbyterian General Assembly in Belfast yesterday without a word of dissent.
A political theme ran through much of the day's proceedings including a resolution calling for prayers for those attending next weeks all party talks on Northern Ireland's future.
However, the clerk of assembly the Rev Samuel Hutchinson, indicated that only those who had renounced the use of weapons should be welcomed at the negotiating table.
"The door to that conference room should be open only to those who are clearly, unambiguously and permanently committed to non violence ... It would be most disappointing if any other terms were set."
The Rev Gordon Gray from Lisburn said loyalist paramilitaries had belatedly moved a away from violence "but a hard core of republicans remain wedded to their rigid, outmoded philosophy dated 1916 that peace can come only out of the barrel of a gun".
The Rev Alan Martin, clerk of the Presbytery of Dublin and Munster and minister of the Abbey Congregation, Dublin, said it was time for people to look beyond the perceptions which kept them secure in their own little world.
"Perceptions justify dismissing whole groups of people. In the context of Northern Ireland, it can mean dismissing over 15 per cent of the population who, for various reasons, voted for Sinn Fein."
A former moderator, Dr Godfrey Brown, said there was both great potential and great danger in the present situation. "What seems clear to me is the importance of sincere and honest dialogue between politicians of every hue who have been charged with that responsibility.
Dr Brown, who along with Mr Martin is the outgoing co-convenor of the church and government board, referred to loyalist parades as he moved acceptance of his committee's report. It was important to remember that only a few of the many traditional marches were contentious, he said.
A resolution passed by the assembly calls on marchers to show sensitivity towards those living along parade routes and for residents to exercise tolerance.
Delegates also approved a motion confirming church guidelines on the Toronto Blessing. While accepting that some people benefited spiritually from the experience, the church took the view that "there is much in this phenomenon to be discouraged". The practice, which originated in Canada, is variously described in the annual report to the assembly as renewing the work of God land preparing for revival and national awakening", "demonic activity" and "a mass, self induced emotional disturbance".
The assembly also accepted a call from Mr John Millar, chair man of the Livestock and Meat, Commission for Northern Ireland and an elder of the citys Elm wood Congregation, to endorse an amendment to restore confidence in beef by taking whatever steps were necessary, including granting separate status to the Northern Ireland beef industry, "to recognise its high quality and unique traceability system".