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There’s a knock at the door, it’s the Police… what next?

Michael McFarland Campbell

In the last days and weeks Northern Ireland has been hit by many bomb alerts and security alerts, many of which have turned out to be hoaxes. I doubt that many people living in the rest of the United Kingdom have any idea what this is like. Imagine a family with young children, who are asleep at the time of the alert, being roused by a knock on the door from the Police. No, we don’t want to speak to anyone here – but there is a bomb alert at the bottom of your street. We need to evacuate you. … Continue reading There’s a knock at the door, it’s the Police… what next?

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Belfast, news, Northern Ireland, Northern Ireland life1 Comment

Is St Patrick to be expunged from Union Flag?

Michael McFarland Campbell

Now any observer of flags in Northern Ireland will tell you that there are many variations in the flags that are seen around the Province. But this one, first seen by me on a Facebook page, is a new one even for me. It is placed on a page somewhat dedicated to so-called Loyalism that appears to have sprung up following the decision by Belfast City Council to fly the Union Flag from City Hall on the designated Flag-flying Days. Most of these pages want to see the Union Flag replaced, that is hoisted once more on City Hall, not … Continue reading Is St Patrick to be expunged from Union Flag?

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APNI, Carrickfergus, DUP, news, Northern Ireland, Northern Ireland life, Police, politics, PSNI, SDLP, Sinn Féin, UUPLeave a comment

Violence and fire-lighting is not the way forward

Michael McFarland Campbell

My thoughts and prayers are with all Alliance Party representative and their staff at this difficult time following the decision by Belfast City Council to fly the Union Flag on designated days. Reports are coming in this evening that a constituency office for Stewart Dickson MLA, the Alliance representative for East Antrim has been set on fire. According to the BBC the Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service are at the scene. As with the protest yesterday that forced Naomi Long MP‘s office to close early, all that these actions will do will be to stop local people from getting … Continue reading Violence and fire-lighting is not the way forward

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PA MagLochlainn RIP

Michael McFarland Campbell

This afternoon, I learned that a very dear friend, mentor and colleague, PA MagLochlainn has ‘gone home’. A few weeks ago I learned that he was in hospital and was very unwell, while we were celebrating 30 years of the decriminalisation of homosexuality in Northern Ireland. Last week, the Pink Triangle Commemoration at Belfast City Hall was organised for the first year not by him. He was due to come, but this was not to be. And now, today, we are in mourning. He was many things to many people. His life touched all around him. Upon hearing the news … Continue reading PA MagLochlainn RIP

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Those present when a pink triangle wreath was laid at the Cenotaph, Belfast.

can the LGBT community stop self-stigmatising and join the general remembrance please?

Michael McFarland Campbell

  November is a month of remembrance, from the Christian celebrations of All Saints and All Souls on the first and second days of the month respectively, through the almost continual prayers for the Holy Souls at Mass during the … Continue reading can the LGBT community stop self-stigmatising and join the general remembrance please?

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Anglican, Belfast, Christ the King, Roman MissalLeave a comment

A liturgical nightmare and the holy motorists

Michael McFarland Campbell

Just as Evensong finished in St George’s there was a series of explosions outside. So much so that a large group of the congregation gathered in the Narthex to find out what was going on. It was no problem it was just the Hallowe’en Firework display starting from next to the Lagan. Today has been a liturgical nightmare for some of us. What day do we celebrate? According to the 1962 Calendar in the Roman Rite it is the Feast of Our Lord Jesus Christ the King (White or Gold hangings). In the Ordinary Form of the Roman Rite it … Continue reading A liturgical nightmare and the holy motorists

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APNI, Belfast, Blogging, Conservatives, DUP, Equal Marriage, Northern Ireland, politics, SDLP, Sinn Féin, TUV, UUPLeave a comment
If you don't vote for me, don't expect me to vote for you.

A message to all the MLAs in Stormont #equalmarriage #religiousfreedom

Michael McFarland Campbell

On Monday 1 October there is a motion in the Northern Ireland Assembly on Equal Marriage: That this Assembly believes that all couples, including those of the same sex, should have the right to marry in the eyes of the … Continue reading A message to all the MLAs in Stormont #equalmarriage #religiousfreedom

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