MEMBERS OF the Presbyterian Church in Ireland have been encouraged to be open to people from whom they had traditionally kept their distance, “acknowledging our differences, but building a shared future”.
Speaking in Belfast last night the church’s new moderator, the Rev Dr Donald Patton commented positively on political developments in Northern Ireland and continued “we take heart that today old and bitter enemies are working together in government. Our prayers are with them as they work to achieve a settled and shared future for all.
“Meanwhile, for the most part, we are able to breathe the air of peace. The recent business investment conference hosted in Belfast gives us hope for a brighter future.This has come about because of a new way of thinking. All sides have sought a new way of working together for the good of all. There’s a new way of living because there’s a new way of thinking that is making a difference.”
He said however that “the Troubles have left us a legacy of complicated and thorny issues to deal with. Many still continue to bear the scars of personal grief and loss. We wish Lord Eames and Denis Bradley well as they draft their report Dealing with the Past.” Reflecting on society today, he said: “the credit crunch and the consumer crunch are exposing the clay feet of the god of materialism. Family life has broken down, creating fragmentation and instability in society. There are fewer healthy models of the relationships that provide a secure environment for the formation of steady character and emotional stability. With no agreed philosophy gluing society together, there is an increasing sense of lostness and of drift.”
He felt the growth of competing spiritualities was an opportunity for the church. “Instead of lamenting a perceived decline in our influence, we need to think carefully, create new networks of influence, and communicate persuasively. The Christian voice has to compete with many others to make itself heard,” he said.
Dr Patton was addressing 1,200 delegates and guests after he was officially installed as moderator for the coming year at the opening session of the church’s General Assembly which continues at Church House in Belfast until Thursday. Dr Patton (58) has been minister in Randalstown since 2002.
Earlier, outgoing moderator Dr John Finlay told the assembly that “on the global stage the task we face as the church of Christ – possibly as never before – is to witness effectively in a multi-faith and multicultural context”.
