An easy guide to politics of the island of Ireland written for the benefit of tourists, with thanks to Fr Peter Thompson for sharing it. Continue reading The North and The South – an explanation for tourists…
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
Instead of worrying about a flag that’s forty years out of date – perhaps we should look and think outside the box for a new one for Northern Ireland. Continue reading Time for a flag for Northern Ireland? We’ve been without for forty years.
Another week has passed and news has reached me of another community hall in Northern Ireland being targeted and burnt. Fortunately, in this case, it seems that it has not been gutted. But a lot of damage has been done. The hall in question is a Masonic hall in Lisburn. A fuller report can be found courtesy of the Ulster Star. As the Ulster Star article suggests, the hall may have been mistaken for an Orange Hall—but that is no excuse. Burning each other’s halls is not going to help solve our community’s difficulties. Sitting down and talking about them does. The … Continue reading Another hall in the community is targeted – this really must stop.
Summer Madness is a Christian festival, it boasts of being Ireland’s premier Christian festival on its website. One staff member tells of deeds that suggest some members of staff don’t act in a Christ-like manner. Get your tissues out! Continue reading Summer Madness staff expresses disappointment with Summer Madness
It is energizing to think of the blessing which is possible in our communities if people of good will and faith work together creatively. – Bishop Harold Miller, Bishop of Down & Dromore I trust that the Lord Bishop of Down & Dromore will remember his own words when introducing the rather unfortunate motions before the General Synod of the Church of Ireland later today. It would be great to believe that Bishop Miller will look forward to working creatively with the LGBT community not just in his diocese but across Ireland. From Down & Dromore there were six members … Continue reading LGBT Church of Ireland people have both good will and faith @downandromore @churchofireland #8aNoWay
Michael asks if the member of the General Synod of the Church of Ireland will allow Anti-Gay resolutions from the Bishop of Down & Dromore and the Archbishop of Dublin to be heard this week. Continue reading Questions for the Archbishop of Armagh and members of General Synod @churchofireland
The final paragraph of Resolution 8A at the General Synod in Dublin this week is the most nasty of all. For it is the one that will legitimise witch-hunts against gay clergy; it is the one that will allow gay people to be excluded from Holy Communion; and it demeans the relationships of remarried divorcees. Continue reading LGBT Churchpeople still not being listened to: #8aNoWay @churchofireland
The historic Parish Church of St George in the heart of Belfast city centre is blending the ancient and the modern in a series of services during the penitential period of Lent, beginning on 26 February. Continue reading A blend of modern and ancient in St George’s for Lent
From his Open University blog, Michael refers to his reading on the Enterprise between Belfast and Dublin, and looks forward to his tutorial on Saturday at Stranmillis College. Continue reading second week – a trip to Dublin #openuniversity
Gyronny Herald 