Sir, – Alf McCreary’s article “Presbyterian Church now a cool house for liberals”, Rite & Reason, March 6th) opens up a significant debate with much wider implications for the Presbyterian Church in Ireland than he seeks to address.
The fundamental question that needs to be asked is, where does the authority of the church lie?
It certainly does not rest in moderators, ministers or lay persons but as the Confessional Standards of the Presbyterian Church states, “The authority of the Holy Scripture, of which it ought to be believed and obeyed, does not depend on the testimony of any man or church, but entirely upon God, its author (who is truth itself); therefore it ought to be received, because it is the Word of God”.
Mr McCreary gives no Biblical defence of his position but rather seeks to sideline those who may hold a different view on matters of church government. To describe those who hold to the authority of Scripture as right-wingers may be equally hurtful and offensive yet the history of global Presbyterianism is one of division and splits. Is another one on the horizon? – Yours, etc,
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HAROLD GIBSON,
Dromore,
Co Down.
A chara, – As Alf McCreary has noted, a small liberal section of members and former members have expressed their “growing disquiet” over Dr Sam Mawhinney’s views. Rather than contacting him personally, to find out what his actual views are on women (and indeed men) in the ordained ministry, they have chosen to disclose the contents of their letter to the media (“Prominent Presbyterians express concern at new head’s opposition to female ministers”, News, March 6th).
For the record, Dr Mawhinney was elected Moderator by a majority of Presbyterians across our island. He has served nearly all of his ministry in Co Cork and central Dublin. His congregation is made up of women and men from every corner of Ireland – along with many internationals worshipping there. His ministry has been distinguished by a commitment to historic Christian teaching, alongside congregational care for the poor and marginalised in the heart of Dublin.
Writing as a minister of over 15 years’ standing in a strongly unionist part of Co Antrim, I sense it will do my congregation and the wider Presbyterian Church in Ireland good to hear the perspective of Dr Mawhinney during his year in office. I have no doubt he will discharge his call to the Moderator’s chair with humility, integrity and gracious love for all people. – Is mise,
Rev Dr MARTIN McNEELY,
Ballymena,
Co Antrim.