Presbyterian Notes

Mr Will Hanna, a Presbyterian consultant surgeon who has served the church overseas, continues to write and publish in retirement…

Mr Will Hanna, a Presbyterian consultant surgeon who has served the church overseas, continues to write and publish in retirement. In this column in 1985 we mentioned his Celtic Migrations, which is still read with interest and as a source.

His latest publication is Intertwined Roots - An Ulster Scot Perspective (Columba Press, £8.99), which expands on the heritage, history, hostility and hope in Northern Ireland.

Dr Duncan Morrow, lecturer in politics at the University of Ulster, has remarked that the book is "important because of its honesty". It has other claims to worth.

The raison d'etre of Hanna's book is to make sense of the tangled inheritance that is the Scottish Presbyterian story in Ireland, and its implications for current politics. He has considerable success in this.

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A thesis is that "nationalist and unionist in the North are concerned almost exclusively with their own tradition and history, their knowledge of the other being based mainly on their own myths".

A fundamental change in mindset is an imperative and may be gained with leaders of both sides assuming a less confrontational and more positive approach, eschewing the ritual recitation of the faults and failings of each other.

This book is replete with valuable source material on the peace process, from the Hume-Adams talks to the suspension of the Assembly.

Repeatedly we read or hear that "the Bible is the least-read bestseller". Unused Bibles are to be found everywhere. An opportunity to see they are used now occurs. Contact Book Aid asks: "Is your church about to replace pew Bibles?" or "Has anyone unused Bibles in the home?" A million Bibles in all translations are wanted for distribution in Africa. Books in the home that children have outgrown are also most acceptable. Donors should contact Frank Ray at (028) 914-58759 as soon as possible.

The questioning church today asks what the form of worship should be. Should it be traditional or contemporary? Questions of leadership are also asked: What are the qualities necessary in effective leaders for the 21st century?

In the Christian Training Centre, Magee House, Rugby Road, Belfast, such questions will be dealt with in the Summer School of Theology from June 19th to 22nd. The theme is "Leading and Worshipping God's Way".

The principal of the London Bible College and vice-president of the Evangelical Alliance, Dr Derek Tidball, will give three morning lectures and two afternoon seminars. Dr Tidball has written voluminously on the sociology of religion and pastoral theology.

An American, Larry Hertado, professor of New Testament language and literature in the University of Edinburgh New College, will give four lectures in the morning on "Apostle Paul - The Man and His Mission". In the evenings he will give three lectures on the origins of Christian worship.

The organisers wish to emphasise that the summer school is not just for ministers or students of theology. Basic accommodation is available and meals at additional cost. The whole school (mornings and evenings) costs £20 if registered before April 30th. After that date, the cost is £35.

Morning service will be broadcast from Abbey Presbyterian Church, Parnell Square, on May 7th by RTE. The Rev Alan Boal will conduct the service and preach the sermon.

Morning service will be televised from the RTE studios on May 14th with a congregation from Kilkenny Presbyterian Church. The Rev John Woodside will conduct the service and preach the sermon.