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Paisley to stand down as head of the church DUP leader
Ian Paisley and First Minister in the North of Ireland will leave his
position as head of the Free Presbyterian Church next year.
Mr Paisley’s decision came after a five-hour meeting in Belfast
involving church elders and ministers.
The event was picketed by protesters who are unhappy about the DUP leader’s
decision to share power with Sinn Féin in the Northern Assembly.
The meeting discussed a Presbytery-commissioned report which dealt in
part with concerns over Paisley’s dual role as first minister and
church leader.
A statement released by the Free Presbyterian Church read: “It was
agreed by an overwhelming majority of members that all Presbytery offices
remain as at present for the remainder of this calendar year.
“In January all offices will be vacated. Dr Paisley has indicated
that he will not be standing for the office of moderator of presbytery.”
The elders and ministers were expected to hold elections for a new leader
and other offices but this will now happen next year.
The First Minister made no official comment on the alleged dispute which
centres on the separation of religion and politics.
Mr Paisley has been the leader of the Free Presbyterian Church since he
founded it 50 years ago. The church was founded in opposition to church
practices like ecumenicism and has championed strict moral standards.
Delegates were believed to have overwhelmingly voted to separate church
and politics.
It is unknown if the planned reshuffle for January will affect Mr Paisley’s
position as leader of the DUP.
SAFETY SEMINAR
A Safety Awareness Seminar will take place on Thursday, September 27 between
1-4pm at the Haringey Irish Centre, Pretoria Road, Tottenham to alert
people to the many safety issues they should be conscious of within their
daily environment.
A selection of information tables will be set-up by various groups, including
the police and fire brigade and other emergency services, who will also
be available to answer any questions from the public and draw attention
to important issues around safety specific to their organisation.
The event is free of charge and all are welcome. |
