e65220cd-01d6-4f86-b288-842557c43819 The notable ministries of three Presbyterians have been recognised by Union Theological College in Belfast with the awarding of honorary Doctor of Divinity degrees at its annual Graduation ceremony at which 17 students for the Presbyterian ministry also received their Ministry Certificates.

]]> Wed, 22 May 2013 23:00:00 GMT 1e8f2fd1-57e9-417c-8934-ee23ffbb7d2f With only days to go final preparations are being made for the Presbyterian General Assembly that will meet in Londonderry between Monday, 3rd June and Thursday, 6th June.  It’s the first time in 80 years that the Assembly will meet in the north west and the Millennium Forum will be accommodating approx. 1,000 delegates from Presbyterian congregations all around Ireland involved in the four days of worship, prayer, bible study, celebration and decision making.

]]> Wed, 22 May 2013 23:00:00 GMT 358bfb7d-1627-4970-a631-92f0b5724229 The Presbyterian Church’s Board of Social Witness has told Health Minister Edwin Poots that residential homes are a ‘vital option’ in providing a comprehensive caring service for Older People.

]]> Mon, 06 May 2013 23:00:00 GMT db70f30b-ff56-4f34-be2c-3204997968d1 Over forty Presbyterian Church choirs are getting together for the ‘Big Sing’ this Saturday, 27 April, between 2 and 5pm in Assembly Buildings in Belfast.

]]> Wed, 24 Apr 2013 23:00:00 GMT 331a085d-bfc9-44b6-8257-42ad17ab2a39 Presbyterian Moderator Dr. Roy Patton has written to the Prime Minister in support of the ‘Enough Food for Everyone IF’ campaign being promoted by Tearfund and Christian Aid that is encouraging the government to ensure that certain key actions are taken that would ensure there can be enough food in the world for everyone.

]]> Wed, 24 Apr 2013 23:00:00 GMT ce6bc4c0-95c8-4cfc-84f4-36bab7d4cb1e The Presbyterian Church has again written to all MLA’s restating its opposition to any change in the legal definition of marriage and urging them not to vote in support of the motion that has beentabled on this subject for next Monday, 29th April at Stormont.

]]> Wed, 24 Apr 2013 23:00:00 GMT 72fbd2fe-ac2e-4f77-aedf-9cefc58c1bf9 Presbyterian Moderator Dr. Roy Patton begins a visit to Jamaica on Saturday, 13th April as a guest of the United Church in Jamaica and Grand Cayman.

]]> Thu, 11 Apr 2013 23:00:00 GMT 6a3747f0-2543-4c3d-a65e-665a66fbda3b A delegation from the Presbyterian Church met with the Parades Commission at their offices in Windsor House on 9th April, to discuss a wide range of issues surrounding parading.

]]> Tue, 09 Apr 2013 23:00:00 GMT 3a5d0200-fac5-40d0-b0a9-803bb323fabc Easter brings hope that we must share with others everyday.

]]> Thu, 28 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT 0959782f-1e27-4927-86bc-3a9f0ba55d09 Moderator Dr. Roy Patton has launched an appeal in support of relief programmes assisting people living within Syria and refugees fleeing the conflict.

]]> Thu, 28 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT f4cd6c21-a1b1-43b3-b381-a31b47368c22 Moderator Dr. Roy Patton today, Wednesday 27th March met with farming representatives from across Northern Ireland.

]]> Wed, 27 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT 68b87272-17ab-4a96-85ad-258e26af8572 Presbyterian Moderator Dr. Roy Patton welcomes the election of Pope Francis

]]> Fri, 15 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT 1f7c7099-88b2-405a-a586-713911e5caba The rich history of Presbyterians in Ulster is to be charted in a major new television series by BBC Northern Ireland.

]]> Fri, 15 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT c15daac5-da7e-4a2a-b177-fad0ca31824f The Presbyterian Church in Ireland has updated its official website, offering visitors a full set of new features to explore online.

]]> Thu, 28 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT af5940e2-bc3e-422f-b60b-75b4e14d448f The Presbyterian Church has welcomed the proposed amendment to the Criminal Justice Bill which it believes brings clarification and accountability to the circumstances under which abortions are possible in Northern Ireland.

]]> Thu, 28 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT 8a607732-6ece-4890-b7f8-bd418cf95c7f Presbyterian Mission Overseas would appreciate hearing about individuals, congregations or any other groups associated with PCI, who will be involved in short-term mission overseas in the coming months.

]]> Fri, 22 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT 6516d2b5-04b1-41d8-aaf2-027b53fcf0c1 Presbyterian Moderator Rt Rev Roy Patton has paid the following tribute to Constable Philippa Reynolds who was killed at the weekend.

]]> Mon, 11 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT 3adf7b2b-6f5a-4453-8c1f-d84df51e76ab The next Moderator of the Presbyterian Church will be Rev Rob Craig (58), minister of Kilfennan Presbyterian Church, Londonderry.

]]> Wed, 06 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT 3c96e2b5-828d-4f1e-879e-6d59b500cf78 With Westminister due to debate the issue of same sex marriage tomorrow, Tuesday 5 February, the Presbyterian Church has again stated its clear opposition to any change in the present marriage legislation.

]]> Mon, 04 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT 62593a0d-f4aa-4033-a226-3ed52e2b34d2 Two ministers with strong north-west credentials are the only two names for consideration when Presbyterians around Ireland vote next Tuesday evening, 5 February, to decide who will be the next Presbyterian Moderator and chair the General Assembly when it meets this June in Londonderry.

]]> Fri, 01 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT 19b5702e-8c8b-4198-a2a3-acc0bfeebbb8 The Irish Churches Peace Project, a new initiative supported by the largest Christian denominations in Ireland and due to be publically launched in the spring of 2013, is currently recruiting six regional Good Relations Officers.

]]> Tue, 29 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT acae13ad-38c5-4d27-8c73-4a7d7f611c39 Presbyterian Moderator Dr Roy Patton returns to his roots this weekend when he travels to County Monaghan to open a renovated hall in Newbliss and preach at a presbytery rally in Ballybay.

]]> Fri, 25 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT e13073e6-617c-41f8-8331-33d5c8cd53b3 Former Deputy Clerk of the Presbyterian Church's General Assembly Rev Dr Derek Poots has died after a long illness.

]]> Fri, 18 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT 7ed6e4b6-43f5-4fce-a9f9-234f24d1d80b Two hundred and fifty years of the work and witness of Magheragall Presbyterian Church will be celebrated this weekend with a visit from Presbyterian Moderator Dr Roy Patton.

]]> Fri, 11 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT b56dcfd9-9e2a-47a3-bedc-7b50ca7fc6f9 After meeting with Presbyterian ministers and community representatives in east Belfast and visiting PSNI headquarters this week Presbyterian Moderator Dr Roy Patton has issued the following statement calling on communities to think through the real effects of the current street protests.

]]> Fri, 11 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT efd80386-baa5-4435-ae5d-2b0bf633432b The Presbyterian Church has told the Oireachtais Joint Committee on Health and Children that any legislation regarding abortion must honour the constitutional status of human life, recognise the exceptional circumstances when the medical profession will have to take action but not allow abortion as a social option.

]]> Thu, 10 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT 85a9cace-0f70-493a-8148-2f63c78ddc65 At the start of the New Year Presbyterian Moderator Dr Roy Patton has released the following message.
 

]]> Thu, 03 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT 0db4d671-1b67-4b83-a76d-01f8a8084685 A new peace project supported by the largest Christian denominations in Ireland is currently recruiting senior staff with the aim of publicly launching the new initiative in the springtime of 2013.

]]> Thu, 20 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT a1f5f861-3762-4152-bb82-78e51b16d77b What are you hoping for this Christmas? Some new clothes, an iPad, tickets for a concert or your favourite sporting fixture, or a weekend away? Is your wish list long or short? Will you get a complete surprise, or do you know what is waiting for you on Tuesday morning?

]]> Wed, 19 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT e1bad349-48fb-497f-8c2f-26ee26830be5 Following last night's attempted murder of a PSNI officer and in the wake of continuing violence Presbyterian Moderator Dr Roy Patton is calling for an end to such violence.

]]> Tue, 11 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT daa2b06b-6403-492a-bd74-47ba91083012 Two weeks after visiting Presbyterians in the Tyrone Presbytery, Presbyterian Moderator Dr Roy Patton returns to the county of Tyrone to celebrate with two congregations as they open and dedicate new and renovated church buildings.

]]> Fri, 16 Nov 2012 00:00:00 GMT 2bb43710-0d5f-43ef-9c29-16def39c0694 Presbyterian Moderator Dr Roy Patton has expressed his shock at this morning's gun attack and death of a prison officer.

]]> Thu, 01 Nov 2012 00:00:00 GMT aff88144-598c-4e37-ae8d-26051e0de86e Following today's announcement of the opening of a Marie Stopes Clinic in Belfast the Presbyterian Church's Director of Social Service, Lindsay Conway issued the following statement.

]]> Wed, 10 Oct 2012 23:00:00 GMT 9ba5ead6-b659-4e9f-b572-c94e8d4e2c28 Presbyterian Moderator Dr Roy Patton has welcomed the announcement by Agriculture Minister Michelle McNeill that a further £15m is to be made available to local farmers to ease the significant pressure they are currently under.

]]> Tue, 09 Oct 2012 23:00:00 GMT 9eacf97a-ab97-4823-8495-c9a969d58717 Suffering, why it happens and how to cope with it is a subject that many Christians have great difficulty in understanding.

]]> Mon, 08 Oct 2012 23:00:00 GMT 22a088e3-af83-4377-86ea-c6a4fc0c7b4b Presbyterian Moderator Dr Roy Patton has congratulated Most Rev Dr Richard Clarke on his appointment as Archbishop of Armagh.

]]> Tue, 02 Oct 2012 23:00:00 GMT e572fa9f-881b-41bb-bada-3ee6e71a68cc Ahead of tomorrow's, Monday 01 October, Private Members' Business in the Northern Ireland Assembly on 'Marriage Equality' the Presbyterian Church has written to all MLA's stating its opposition to any change in the current legal definition of marriage which is stated as "the permanent and lifelong union of one man and one woman, to the exclusion of all others".

]]> Sat, 29 Sep 2012 23:00:00 GMT 14e2edd9-91dd-47da-8d1f-61f146fa04ce Statement from Presbyterian Moderator Dr Roy Patton responding to Hillsborough farm tragedy.

]]> Sat, 15 Sep 2012 23:00:00 GMT 72b89f9c-2970-4cf0-8ee5-595d6b756bae Presbyterian Moderator Dr Roy Patton has expressed his shock at today's announcement from FG Wilson.

]]> Wed, 12 Sep 2012 23:00:00 GMT f98efbee-5df4-4714-be23-da2d47bc6abc This weekend marks a major landmark in the witness of the Presbyterian Church in Drogheda when its new church building will be opened and dedicated by the Moderator Dr Roy Patton.

]]> Wed, 05 Sep 2012 23:00:00 GMT f93cca26-54df-47ed-ae1b-c50c7fda878e The apology by the Royal Black Institution for any offence caused to the clergy and members of St Patrick's and its acceptance by Fr Michael Sheehan are to be welcomed.

]]> Wed, 05 Sep 2012 23:00:00 GMT 1c7dbb2d-6229-4c97-a983-72f7d3ecbed6 Junior BB companies associated to Presbyterian congregations in Northern Ireland have raised £10,000 to support a children's project in Romania.

]]> Wed, 08 Aug 2012 23:00:00 GMT 9fdad386-0bf1-4355-a072-c7f4318db807 Presbyterian Moderator Dr Roy Patton is encouraging colleagues to pray for the farming community during church services over the next few Sundays.

]]> Tue, 07 Aug 2012 23:00:00 GMT fea774a4-e89a-43f9-b217-0ded82081efb Presbyterian Moderator Dr Roy Patton leaves this Saturday, 04 August, for a three week visit to Indonesia to meet with Presbyterian overseas personnel, representatives of partner Churches and to see projects that the Presbyterian Church has been supporting.

]]> Wed, 01 Aug 2012 23:00:00 GMT 1d0c1992-bebc-44f8-876e-a69f0860af30 A former Presbyterian Moderator has told a graduation audience at Queen's University that the many uplifting and deeply symbolic moments in the life of Northern Ireland have not been matched by the building of trusted friendships, expressing the view that our society remains deeply divided whether by peace walls, education systems, housing or cultural expression.

]]> Wed, 04 Jul 2012 23:00:00 GMT 7da606fe-9658-4aef-a675-3103e9d15216 A Bangor family are soon to take up a new assignment in Nepal through the Presbyterian Church's Board of Mission Overseas.

]]> Tue, 03 Jul 2012 23:00:00 GMT ce9b9bfb-5489-4bed-bc10-2a08e5e485b8 Presbyterian Moderator Dr Roy Patton will attend the General Assembly of the United Reformed Church (URC) which takes place in Scarborough, north Yorkshire, next week from Friday 6 July until Monday 8 July.

]]> Thu, 28 Jun 2012 23:00:00 GMT 5e3da487-58a7-4328-bfeb-b2b0dd6ef8b5 Presbyterian Moderator Dr Roy Patton has welcomed Sinn Fein's decision to meet with the Queen.

]]> Thu, 21 Jun 2012 23:00:00 GMT 0db47dfd-b204-4d77-8ad8-38213067dbb3 Over 80 young Presbyterians will meet this Saturday 16th June at Cookstown Primary School for a brand new event run by the Board of Youth and Children's (YAC) Ministry.

]]> Thu, 14 Jun 2012 23:00:00 GMT 30d49f23-f27f-43bc-89f0-a6b6f1701a4e Presbyterian Moderator Rt Rev Dr Roy Patton has issued the following statement in tribute to Archbishop Alan Harper who announced his retirement today.

]]> Wed, 06 Jun 2012 23:00:00 GMT 2d20598f-e312-490f-901e-ddcfaab19cca The four church leaders met with a Sinn Féin delegation today, Friday 27 April, to discuss the implications of possible welfare reforms in Northern Ireland.

]]> Thu, 26 Apr 2012 23:00:00 GMT 96b5d071-3058-41ae-9b7b-019353210210 This Saturday, 28 April at 2.30pm, Presbyterian Moderator Dr Ivan Patterson will open a €0.5m extension to Arklow Presbyterian Church.

]]> Thu, 26 Apr 2012 23:00:00 GMT 408f96a3-f780-4b26-8041-f4900395a21e Around 3000 Presbyterian women are expected in Belfast on Thursday and Friday of next week, May 3 and 4, for a series of meetings that incorporate the annual meeting of Presbyterian Women, PW, and an afternoon teaching seminar.

]]> Wed, 25 Apr 2012 23:00:00 GMT 1d1b700c-7365-471c-b923-9dea1e78028e Presbyterian Moderator Dr Ivan Patterson has described Rev Dr Ray Davey as "a fearless and tireless peace builder who inspired generations of people around the world to a lifetime commitment of working for reconciliation in their communities."

]]> Mon, 16 Apr 2012 23:00:00 GMT 087a869b-2398-4fea-86e2-f9a18dbb8cc4 The Presbyterian Moderator Dr. Ivan Patterson will be the guest speaker at Mullingar Presbyterian Church this Sunday, 15th April, at what will be a historic service for the congregation.

]]> Wed, 11 Apr 2012 23:00:00 GMT c8aaa28f-d791-4b75-9d67-e6c78782c038 The Presbyterian Board of Social Witness (BSW) is holding a service this Sunday 15th April to celebrate the tenth anniversary of one of their social housing projects in Coleraine.

]]> Tue, 10 Apr 2012 23:00:00 GMT 8cfc9dc9-f8f5-4980-9ca4-fdd8397cbfc8 Easter - Proclaiming Christ Is Risen For All

]]> Thu, 05 Apr 2012 23:00:00 GMT 351714ab-0707-4f34-8fbc-377ca745ce00 Thousands of Presbyterians will rise early on Easter Sunday 8th April, to celebrate Christ's resurrection at a series of dawn services being held at a variety of outdoor venues including some of Northern Ireland's most scenic and iconic settings.

]]> Wed, 04 Apr 2012 23:00:00 GMT a823e98c-329a-4bb3-b381-5457946394ae Several hundred people from either side of the Ormeau Bridge are expected to gather tomorrow, Friday 6 April, Good Friday, at 11.15am in Ormeau Park, entrance opposite the former Ormeau Bakery Building, for a service of Easter reflection.

]]> Tue, 03 Apr 2012 23:00:00 GMT 41f13fe0-3af0-44a6-819b-28a2f5640c88 As the launch date of the Presbyterian Church's Fit for Purpose campaign at this year's General Assembly in May grows closer Moderator Dr Ivan Patterson has called the entire church to prayer for the five-year campaign.

]]> Mon, 02 Apr 2012 23:00:00 GMT ea34b018-a410-4a64-88d5-6da0cf1fee13 The Presbyterian Church has expressed to Prime Minister David Cameron its strong support for the retention of the present legal definition of marriage and its rejection of any introduction of same-sex marriages.

]]> Wed, 28 Mar 2012 23:00:00 GMT ac94abe0-90fa-439f-a57e-7ef70549ff69 The dilemma of faith versus fun for Ulster rugby fans travelling to the Heineken Cup quarter final on Easter Sunday has been resolved with an invitation from a local Limerick church.

]]> Tue, 27 Mar 2012 23:00:00 GMT 978cb83f-89b2-4307-8cdd-835e8178de6d St Patrick's Day Message from Presbyterian Moderator Dr Ivan Patterson

]]> Sat, 17 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT a152c1cc-6736-42b1-8151-4fcc8d1185cb Northern Ireland's church leaders have called for more clarity regarding the proposed legislation on welfare reform and an indication of what will be decided by Westminster legislation and the areas in which the Northern Ireland Assembly will have autonomy.

]]> Wed, 29 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT 09f0dd0f-184e-4ceb-a4a3-7951c89f17f0 This year marks the 350th anniversary of First Rathfriland Presbyterian Church and the Moderator Dr Ivan Patterson will lead a special Anniversary Service to be held there this Sunday 4th March at 11.30am.

]]> Tue, 28 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT c16b2332-0b0d-4cd2-b810-e9e3fd639bae The Presbyterian Board of Mission Overseas is preparing to host two 'Celebration of Global Mission' evenings in March to highlight and promote the work of the Church's many mission programmes abroad.

]]> Fri, 17 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT 45bf0905-bd94-4364-b319-071a0ab8ca53 The next Moderator of the Presbyterian Church will be Rev Roy Patton (58), minister of Ballygilbert Presbyterian Church.

]]> Tue, 07 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT 134293a5-5ced-4023-ae39-6b24f0911948 Next Tuesday 7 February, Presbyterians around Ireland will meet to elect a Moderator Designate to succeed the present Moderator Dr Ivan Patterson at the Presbyterian General Assembly in May.

]]> Thu, 02 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT 1b941797-5e74-4e9f-acf5-6aff03cb127b A major new initiative of the Presbyterian Church aimed at encouraging creative thinking on how the Church focuses on import aspects of Christian witness is to be introduced to ministers and church leaders at an event in Assembly Buildings, Fisherwick Place, Belfast this Tuesday, 24 January at 7.30pm.

]]> Fri, 20 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT fd61dfb5-d3da-4b72-8935-37b0b6c2b0b0 The Board of Youth and Children's Ministry of the Presbyterian Church is Ireland is holding a conference next Wednesday, 18th January in Assembly Buildings, Belfast to help congregations effectively engage with parents and help children and young people find their place in the wider church family.

]]> Wed, 11 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT e1a6804d-b466-4295-adfe-4efc4d95b74b Discover what's so great about Jesus this Christmas

]]> Tue, 20 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT 736345a4-b9d8-4430-882d-c184a949e96c A Service of Thanksgiving for the life, faith and ministry of the Rev Warwick Smart will take place in First Ballymoney Presbyterian Church today, Friday 9 December at 12 noon.

]]> Fri, 09 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT 68ee0f65-326f-43bd-8d98-2b2511a473f9 Providing clean, fresh water to taps close to the homes of thousands of Ugandans is the aim of this year's World Develop Appeal launched this week by the Presbyterian Church.

]]> Thu, 01 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT 17de29ea-4ce6-4912-8628-23a7968facde The Presbyterian Church in Ireland is once again joining forces with the Church of Ireland, Methodist Church and Scripture Union to host a one-day children's ministry conference this Saturday 12th November.

]]> Wed, 09 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT ce7ff9b3-cdfb-4bce-b382-e9abf5677069 Presbyterian Moderator Dr Ivan Patterson, fresh from visits to the Dublin and Munster Presbytery, is preparing for a week long tour of England next Tuesday 8th November.

]]> Wed, 02 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT 66565576-e274-4250-9676-9c65adcaf0d3 Former Presbyterian Moderator Dr Norman Hamilton has offered what he describes has "two challenges and a serious suggestion" to the Ulster GAA when he addressed their Club and Community Development Conference today, Saturday 29 October at 1.30pm in the Armagh City Hotel.

]]> Fri, 28 Oct 2011 23:00:00 GMT 007aac01-b66c-4618-9f9a-1ebccf47bd77 Seaview Presbyterian Church on Belfast's Shore Road will celebrate 75 years of active witness in the community with two special events this weekend.

]]> Tue, 25 Oct 2011 23:00:00 GMT b7c4467e-cd77-46fb-a147-f2b79e59a2e4 The Presbyterian Board of Youth and Children's Ministry (YAC) annual youth event MAD takes place this weekend from Friday 28th to Sunday 30th October.

]]> Tue, 25 Oct 2011 23:00:00 GMT d3f67886-9dd0-4357-85d2-c29b2457b693 Fitzroy Presbyterian Church in Belfast, became the first Presbyterian Church in Ireland to win an Eco-Congregation Ireland (ECI) award.

]]> Tue, 18 Oct 2011 23:00:00 GMT 9169f3e7-af34-4d3b-8daa-09971cc49810 The Presbyterian Board of Mission Overseas will once again host their popular 'Celebration of Global Mission' evenings to highlight and promote the work of the Church's many mission programmes abroad.

]]> Tue, 11 Oct 2011 23:00:00 GMT 36f4b239-a078-432e-82f5-5d94acdeb003 The East Africa crisis appeal launched by the Presbyterian Moderator Dr Ivan Patterson to support emergency relief in the drought stricken area continues to gather momentum.

]]> Tue, 04 Oct 2011 23:00:00 GMT e8778197-90a4-4992-93ba-c00642aec9d5 Next weekend, Taking Care, the name given to the child protection policy of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland, will host their biennial conference which will this year focus on the ever increasing challenge of the Internet. Over five hundred delegates are signed up to attend the one-day event on Saturday 8th October in the Assembly Buildings, Belfast.

]]> Tue, 27 Sep 2011 23:00:00 GMT 5eda3226-d3f6-478f-8cf5-dba087e61724 As part of its commitment to providing accessible training to youth and children's leaders, the Presbyterian Board of Youth & Children's (YAC) Ministry is preparing to deliver their popular 'Road Trip' programme to congregations across Northern Ireland over the autumn winter months.

]]> Tue, 20 Sep 2011 23:00:00 GMT 7b4eed39-f17b-44f4-80e8-03d232c34016 Union Theological College in south Belfast will today, Monday 12 September at 12 noon, finally open a £2.2m extension to its historic building at 108 Botanic Avenue, after the original extension was destroyed in a fire just days away from the original opening planned for nearly two years ago. As the College is a listed building, the work was grant aided by the Northern Ireland Environment Agency.

]]> Sun, 11 Sep 2011 23:00:00 GMT 7f3d1fb9-52d6-4fd6-8a4b-5d9090bbb54f An all-age team of eight Presbyterians from congregations across Northern Ireland are destined for Italy this Saturday, 3rd September to begin a week of outreach work at a literary festival in Mantova.

]]> Tue, 30 Aug 2011 23:00:00 GMT a7eb3877-030c-47c6-bd18-fa84efe52eca Presbyterian youth will descend on Castlewellan Castle this weekend for the inaugural residential conference 'the Word' (Friday 26th to Sunday 28th August).

]]> Tue, 23 Aug 2011 23:00:00 GMT a87c9c33-544d-4086-a82c-e80e2589b1d6 Tickets are selling out fast for the Presbyterian Women's upcoming conference in association with Focusfest next month.

]]> Thu, 18 Aug 2011 23:00:00 GMT 9b37379a-e51c-455a-8d17-b7f6c6fb392c Presbyterian Moderator Dr Ivan Patterson has launched a Church wide appeal for support to help meet the ongoing and current needs of people living in East Africa.

]]> Wed, 10 Aug 2011 23:00:00 GMT 1faee479-865e-44a3-9336-097f396387f3 The Presbyterian Church has welcomed the issuing of cheques today by the Administrator to savers in the Presbyterian Mutual Society.

]]> Mon, 01 Aug 2011 23:00:00 GMT 9b87cda0-dfde-4212-9123-47f86f5b5274 The Communications and Press Secretary of the Presbyterian Church, Stephen Lynas has paid the following tribute to David Dunseith.

]]> Thu, 30 Jun 2011 23:00:00 GMT ab86d1a1-d9d3-405f-b035-cf91c2100d59 Young Presbyterians will take to the streets across the country this July and August in the form of Summer Outreach teams organised by the Board of Youth and Children's (YAC) Ministry of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland.

]]> Wed, 29 Jun 2011 23:00:00 GMT 797110e2-f60f-4b3c-9686-d66050a67102 Presbyterian Moderator Dr Ivan Patterson has described the last two nights of rioting in East Belfast as appalling and called on the community and particularly parents in taking responsibility for their children, to heed the advice of local community leaders to stay off the streets and not resort to rioting to have their voice heard.

]]> Tue, 21 Jun 2011 23:00:00 GMT 71400db6-3fd1-4720-baa8-b223bc2b7deb Outgoing Presbyterian Moderator Dr Norman Hamilton believes that if we are going to keep the momentum going in the "hugely important task of building decent community relationships" then "Churches, both leaders and members, our local Executive and the wider community have to play 'catch up' to the Queen and President McAleese."

]]> Fri, 03 Jun 2011 23:00:00 GMT b4b5c183-1b89-41f3-b7d2-4c36a5655b86 The General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland will meet between Monday 6 June and Thursday 9 June 2011 in Church House, Fisherwick Place, Belfast.

]]> Tue, 31 May 2011 23:00:00 GMT 89630d05-a903-4b1a-94e7-76e5aa6cf311 The Presbyterian Church has welcomed today's announcement by the Administrator that the creditors and shareholders of the Presbyterian Mutual Society have voted overwhelmingly to accept the proposed scheme of arrangement.

]]> Sun, 15 May 2011 23:00:00 GMT cf957a21-4473-4e17-86f3-ca4c781b7cfc First Derry Presbyterian will reopen this Saturday 14 May during a special service at 2pm. First Derry, which was first established in 1690 is the oldest Presbyterian Church in the city.

]]> Wed, 11 May 2011 23:00:00 GMT 64b15075-49ed-40b2-8284-6754ba747545 In his Easter message Presbyterian Moderator Dr Norman Hamilton is encouraging everyone to focus on the hope that Easter offers.

]]> Wed, 20 Apr 2011 23:00:00 GMT 9925a896-0143-49e0-8922-1e6c5cecaa61 Thousands of Presbyterians will rise early this coming Sunday 24 April, Easter Sunday, to celebrate Christ's resurrection at a series of dawn services being held at a variety of outdoor venues including some of Northern Ireland's most scenic and iconic settings.

]]> Mon, 18 Apr 2011 23:00:00 GMT 06487a46-3e5f-48a4-b46f-daa4f82acdb9 The home church of the Northern Ireland woman who died in the Christchurch earthquake is to hold a memorial service and establish a relief fund in her name.

]]> Sun, 10 Apr 2011 23:00:00 GMT fd169f9a-33e3-4c75-8be2-ad127f376294 The Presbyterian Church has welcomed the proposed scheme of arrangement to return money to savers in the Presbyterian Mutual Society announced yesterday, Thursday, by the Administrator, Mr Arthur Boyd.

]]> Thu, 07 Apr 2011 23:00:00 GMT 4012da85-85e3-452c-8fa5-7d3322138633 Presbyterian Moderator Dr Norman Hamilton is to attend the funeral service for Constable Ronan Kerr tomorrow, Wednesday 6 April.

]]> Mon, 04 Apr 2011 23:00:00 GMT 4606c30d-b156-473e-a49e-f88c82268af4 Presbyterian Moderator Dr Norman Hamilton has issued the following statement following yesterday's murder of PSNI Officer Constable Ronan Kerr in Omagh.

]]> Sat, 02 Apr 2011 23:00:00 GMT 29ca1f78-4d53-485e-81aa-289890880573 Presbyterian Moderator Dr Norman Hamilton has issued the following statement following today's murder of a PSNI Officer in Omagh.

]]> Fri, 01 Apr 2011 23:00:00 GMT e8305021-798c-44e0-a583-febb1417d8a1 The Presbyterian Church has welcomed today's statements from First Minister Mr Peter Robinson and a spokesman for PMS Administrator Mr Arthur Boyd of their hopes that payments will be made to savers with the Presbyterian Mutual Society in June.

]]> Sun, 27 Mar 2011 23:00:00 GMT bb882690-23d0-4ab3-b659-bbe8a620a5eb Two decisions today have cleared the way for the Presbyterian Church to pay the £1m contribution it agreed last April to the 'Mutual Access Fund', part of the financial package devised by the Northern Ireland Executive to return money to savers in the Presbyterian Mutual Society.

]]> Thu, 10 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT 066d5b31-2a45-49dd-8126-e9c9e1b7bcbd Presbyterian Moderator Dr Norman Hamilton has warned of the dangers of the 'Shared Future' strategy being put on the back burner as elections loom, of the closing down of the opportunities for people to show care and compassion for others because of equality legislation and urged churches, governments and councils to work together in serving the needs of the community.

]]> Thu, 03 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT cb6b39e9-8ec4-41cd-8dbb-18773f7bf1b9 Presbyterian Moderator Dr Norman Hamilton has written to the Moderator of the Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand expressing his shock at the earthquake in Christchurch.

]]> Thu, 24 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT 20754deb-de05-48ab-b36a-9991fc0b4950 Almost a year to the day after it was damaged in a bomb attack, Downshire Road Presbyterian Church in Newry will celebrate its reopening after repair at a special service this Sunday, 20 February at 3.30pm

]]> Fri, 18 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT 15c8cea6-d0c1-41d4-8904-01d7844a7734 The Presbyterian Church has called for an end to the temporary 50:50 rule currently applied to recruitment within the PSNI.

]]> Fri, 11 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT 5e3ca87c-8f3a-4bb9-8a7e-1def117b2a25 Presbyterian Moderator Dr Norman Hamilton has expressed his shock and sympathy following this morning's air crash in Cork.

]]> Thu, 10 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT cbdf07b2-7806-4009-b0e6-58f1007f1b89 The next Moderator of the Presbyterian Church will be Rev Ivan Patterson (62), minister of Newcastle Presbyterian Church.

]]> Tue, 01 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT c5db71a2-7e89-4831-b84a-c0540359caa9 On Tuesday 1st February, Presbyterians around Ireland will meet to elect a Moderator Designate to succeed the present Moderator Dr Norman Hamilton at the Presbyterian General Assembly in June.

]]> Thu, 27 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT 02bbec27-9e07-4751-8a9b-e20b6802f6c8 Next week Presbyterian Moderator Dr Norman Hamilton will make the short journey across Belfast from his base in the 'North' to visit people and places in a week-long visit to the 'East'.

]]> Thu, 27 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT 37eeda64-44ba-4ea1-8832-f74bb2989e04 The Presbyterian Church has just launched 'GodActs', a 28 day guide to reading extracts from the book of Acts and understanding their importance for God's people today.

]]> Thu, 20 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT cff6d0b5-6f9b-4a97-9dd9-8a2a8e3adb9d Presbyterian Moderator Dr Norman Hamilton met with the leader of the DUP, Rt Hon Peter Robinson MLA in Parliament Buildings, Stormont this morning.

]]> Mon, 17 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT b3d2e5bd-6123-4ef4-a261-e637b5f4317a Presbyterian Moderator Dr Norman Hamilton has condemned Saturday morning's attack on Dergina Orange Hall (Saturday 15 January) as a "senseless attempt by a small minority to create sectarian division between large communities which wish to live together side by side, respectful of one another's traditions and heritage."

]]> Sat, 15 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT 21a62736-e5e7-4cee-80ad-7fe8ef2fe6d3 "Walking in the light of God" is the theme of a special one day conference being held by the Presbyterian Church's Board of Mission Overseas this Saturday, 15 January in Wellington Church, Ballymena.

]]> Thu, 13 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT a9843648-f468-4bae-93b4-f7399fe65936 This morning, Tuesday 11 January, Presbyterian Moderator Dr Norman Hamilton met with the Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams in the Sinn Fein Offices at 53 Falls Road, Belfast.

]]> Tue, 11 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT c36555d2-43c0-44ab-bd04-a9deafe7fb9e Presbyterian Moderator Dr Norman Hamilton was pleased to accept an invitation to meet with officials of the Ulster Council of the GAA today, Monday 10 January, at their offices in Armagh.

]]> Mon, 10 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT 7d701a20-0ca5-44fd-8ded-1d08277fc3a0 Presbyterian Moderator Dr Norman Hamilton has called Presbyterians to Church wide prayers on the third Sunday of every month from now until his year of office ends in June.

]]> Fri, 07 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT 76b021d6-d7d8-4498-9f37-d539176ea531 "The New Year is normally associated with hopes of a fresh new start, but this time round we all know that we are going to face not just harsh weather, but harsh economic realities for the whole of 2011," says the Presbyterian Moderator Dr Norman Hamilton in his new year message.

]]> Fri, 31 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT 3a4fbbe7-dcc1-4e70-ae32-4534c1be9f5c In his Christmas message Presbyterian Moderator Dr Norman Hamilton has urged everyone to be good Samaritans not just at Christmas but everyday reminding people that there is more to living that simply caring for ourselves. "Look for - and then willingly accept - the opportunities that come to us to be the good Samaritan. Keep an eye on older people; encourage the teenager; help carry someone's load - literally; speak to the police officer; thank the home help as well as the shop assistant; And don't forget the charity box at the checkout, when you are given your change."

]]> Tue, 21 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT 2169c5b0-a023-413d-b019-cc8940ec1291 The Presbyterian Church has welcomed today's announcement of the Executive's contribution towards an assistance package for Presbyterian Mutual Society savers.

]]> Wed, 15 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT c683800a-f345-4fe3-8174-56693c07b229 A new scheme has been launched by the Presbyterian Church to give relevant training to all those of its members who would like to preach or lead worship on a regular basis.

]]> Thu, 09 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT 68944f7b-dc89-4055-818b-b4242c76a6e1 As part of its ongoing commitment to developing countries the Presbyterian Church this week launched its annual Advent appeal for World Development.

]]> Thu, 02 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT 560ef76b-f331-40b8-a84f-a759af49379e Presbyterians meet in yet another Assembly tomorrow, Saturday 27 November, in Ballymena. It's the fourth one in 12 months but while there already has been a Special Assembly, a Conference Assembly and the usual General Assembly this one is specifically for young people.

]]> Fri, 26 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT fc63f35b-46c1-4c75-81fa-10eae77e617f The PCI Family Holiday is a fun filled week for Presbyterian families, held annually at the Share Centre, Lisnaskea. Bookings can now be made for next year's holiday. Open to all families of all ages and abilities, the Share Centre offers water sports and other activities and specialises in catering for those with disabilities.

]]> Fri, 19 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT 8dd3fca6-7d6e-4630-a1d7-56f61fb4c9de Carlisle House Service User Group, supported by the Public Health Agency (PHA), is hosting an Art Exhibition from the 10th-12th November 2010 in the hope of raising awareness and provoking discussion around substance use and the impact it has on individuals and communities. The exhibition will be launched tomorrow, Wednesday 10 Nov at 12.45pm at the Hopelink Centre, Carlisle Circus, Belfast BT15 2BB.

]]> Tue, 09 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT d56f1ed2-e67d-42f2-9c0f-318a66cd92b7 Presbyterians have responded generously to recent disaster appeals for Pakistan and Haiti, raising £414,515 (€473,180) for Pakistan and £877,128 (€1,001,511) for Haiti.

]]> Tue, 02 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT e9a8bcb8-a9e9-4d9d-aeee-d33c3fffffe2 Presbyterian Moderator Dr Norman Hamilton has called for good community relations to be an integral part of the equality agenda.

]]> Mon, 01 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT 5aa8dc7a-e9b7-405b-b77b-7bc930908afd Dr Stafford Carson who is leading the Presbyterian Church's response to the collapse of the Presbyterian Mutual Society has welcomed today's statement by the Chancellor regarding the PMS.

]]> Tue, 19 Oct 2010 23:00:00 GMT edf61288-1307-48fe-beda-b2ece080406f The Presbyterian Church has paid tribute to journalist and broadcaster Jim Dougal who has died.

]]> Thu, 14 Oct 2010 23:00:00 GMT 233ecd8e-ed6f-4e03-81d7-d9392a0e3408 The Presbyterian Church has welcomed today's announcement by the Secretary of State that the Ministerial Working Group is moving closer to a resolution of the PMS crisis.

]]> Mon, 11 Oct 2010 23:00:00 GMT 606faaca-b506-4e9e-bff5-b26cbaba3bad Presbyterian Moderator Dr Norman Hamilton begins a ten day visit to the north west tomorrow, Friday 1 October, to undertake a programme of events and meet with local Presbyterians, other church leaders, politicians, community representatives and business people.

]]> Wed, 29 Sep 2010 23:00:00 GMT 8be8f821-23b5-47a9-8aa7-9446af040f1b Presbyterian Moderator Dr Norman Hamilton has defended his decision to attend a Church of England service in Westminster Abbey this evening, 17 September, organised as part of the Papal visit, while still not wishing to be presented to the Pope after the service.

]]> Thu, 16 Sep 2010 23:00:00 GMT 2b3f6d67-1f2b-476f-addd-a3f8905889b3 The Presbyterian Moderator Dr Norman Hamilton has received two invitations to events connected with this week's Papal visit to the UK.

]]> Sun, 12 Sep 2010 23:00:00 GMT a2fac42d-88d4-4aca-b2f7-e1b8622747d2 The former Moderator charged with leading the Presbyterian Church's efforts for proper redress for savers in the failed PMS, Dr Stafford Carson, has strongly called on the Ministerial Working Group looking into the matter to live up to the Prime Minister's pre election pledge "to ensure a just and fair resolution of the PMS issue."

]]> Thu, 02 Sep 2010 23:00:00 GMT 3c999dd9-0a8a-4bf5-af45-9dd3faee8bea The former Moderator charged with leading the Presbyterian Church's efforts for proper redress for savers in the failed PMS, Dr Stafford Carson, has strongly called on the Ministerial Working Group looking into the matter to live up to the Prime Minister's pre election pledge "to ensure a just and fair resolution of the PMS issue."

]]> Thu, 02 Sep 2010 23:00:00 GMT 3727ae0c-cb33-4a17-bf76-665b4425c3e6 Rev Dr Donald Watts, Clerk of the Presbyterian Church's General Assembly issued the following statement on behalf of Moderator Rev Dr Norman Hamilton who is currently in South Africa and who has already arranged to meet the Claudy families on his return.

]]> Mon, 23 Aug 2010 23:00:00 GMT c5001355-0a48-488a-94fc-a5f130a89eb0 Moderator Dr Norman Hamilton has launched an appeal across the Presbyterian Church for the flood victims in Pakistan with the Church immediately forwarding a preliminary £50,000 for emergency relief.

]]> Thu, 12 Aug 2010 23:00:00 GMT 0e0ea0b4-b0a7-4c36-a667-a607bf517e07 Following the publication of the Saville Report, Presbyterian Moderator Dr Norman Hamilton says that people should be "liberated and valued by having their stories heard."

]]> Thu, 17 Jun 2010 23:00:00 GMT 4503a28c-3989-47b3-b334-b6298286bad1 A Presbyterian Church initiative that began with one home providing accommodation for 25 older people and now runs six residential homes, one nursing home and two sheltered dwelling projects with space for 285 people is celebrating its sixtieth anniversary this weekend.

]]> Thu, 27 May 2010 23:00:00 GMT 4e495a54-d58a-44fa-afa4-7e186217aa4d The 2010 Presbyterian General Assembly begins on Monday evening 7 June when Dr Norman Hamilton will take over the Moderatorial Chair from Dr Stafford Carson and continues through until Thursday 10 June in Church House, Belfast.

]]> Wed, 26 May 2010 23:00:00 GMT 699a29e5-52ff-4f86-820a-d7f4e3119d6b Presbyterian Moderator Dr Stafford Carson has written to the Lord Mayor of Belfast to express his concern that running the City Marathon on a Sunday will mean that a significant part of the community will no longer be able to give the event their full support.

]]> Mon, 03 May 2010 23:00:00 GMT dc8fed0e-31e4-44a6-970a-1a970502409f In the four months since Christmas Presbyterians across Ireland have donated nearly £1.4m for emergency relief and development projects around the world.

]]> Wed, 21 Apr 2010 23:00:00 GMT 1df87c25-dacc-4245-bd2b-8d719cf4e713 Education spokespersons of the Church of Ireland, Presbyterian and Methodist Churches have described comments made last week by the deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness as misleading, derogatory and a slur on the integrity of the transferor churches which they represent.

]]> Mon, 19 Apr 2010 23:00:00 GMT 56868334-caba-4a2a-b1f0-969cbe9cf920 Presbyterian Moderator Dr Stafford Carson will be warmly welcomed back to Westminster Theological Seminary, Philadelphia next Monday, 19 April to take part in two functions to mark his year as Moderator.

]]> Thu, 08 Apr 2010 23:00:00 GMT eb8fe8c4-ce1f-4fe8-a5d7-5eeb72219037 Presbyterian Moderator Dr Stafford Carson has called Presbyterians to pray for the Special Meeting of the Church's General Assembly called for next week, Tuesday 13 April at 2.00pm in Church House, Belfast.

]]> Thu, 08 Apr 2010 23:00:00 GMT 31057bb8-6a05-41d2-8f10-89597d39e52e The Presbyterian Moderator heads south this Sunday, April 11 to preach at services in the Co Westmeath congregations of Corboy (10.00am) and Mullingar (11.30).

]]> Thu, 08 Apr 2010 23:00:00 GMT c8e71f7a-442c-4db8-b3ab-4ef0b5e4e02c Easter points to Rebirth and Renewal of all Creation

]]> Wed, 31 Mar 2010 23:00:00 GMT 977d6906-2640-4c80-815c-2aad53c30e69 The Presbyterian Church is to call a special meeting of its General Assembly to discuss recent developments surrounding the Presbyterian Mutual Society.

]]> Tue, 30 Mar 2010 23:00:00 GMT 12011457-a921-42c8-8d39-3c95b90d7a2d In response to the announcement from the First Minster and deputy First Minister, Presbyterian Moderator Dr Stafford Carson has issued the following statement.

]]> Sun, 28 Mar 2010 23:00:00 GMT e3dca9b0-6b7f-4255-9b81-7cee4ef6497a The next Moderator of the Presbyterian Church will be Rev Norman Hamilton (63), minister of Ballysillan Presbyterian Church in Belfast.

]]> Tue, 02 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT 202db1e9-974d-465f-83c7-94d84852c73e Presbyterians will meet again tomorrow evening, Tuesday, 2 March, to resolve the tie that resulted from the first round of voting for the next Moderator.

]]> Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT 56e9b3cd-471d-4e2c-bfb3-b4a5715e53ea Presbyterian Moderator Dr Stafford Carson has asked for an urgent meeting to be convened by the Treasury with senior representatives of any bank considered likely to be able to undertake a rescue operation of PMS.

]]> Tue, 23 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT d08dd338-4591-438b-afd1-bdaee5e18e7f Presbyterian Moderator Dr Stafford Carson issued the following statement following today's court judgement concerning the Presbyterian Mutual Society.

]]> Fri, 12 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT dd9bba88-4fd6-45e0-9246-d74486c3b202 Statement from Presbyterian Moderator Dr Stafford Carson following the announcement of the Hillsborough Castle Agreement.

]]> Fri, 05 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT 925e4f20-de89-4208-ad01-cac12b566d2b For the third time in nine years the election for the Presbyterian Moderator has ended in a tied vote.

]]> Tue, 02 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT 88a65d81-57b0-4e64-899c-6d0e80677806 Next Tuesday 2 February, Presbyterians around Ireland will meet to elect a Moderator Designate to succeed the present Moderator Dr Stafford Carson at the Presbyterian General Assembly in June.

]]> Thu, 28 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT 309ad911-f935-4ff0-a732-eb60a9d868da The Leaders of Ireland's four main churches have urged all the political parties to "redouble their efforts to reach a settlement" concerning devolution of policing and justice powers.

]]> Wed, 27 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT e80fa33b-504b-4b92-8e7e-275c8275e728 Representatives of the Presbyterian Church including the Moderator, Dr Stafford Carson, Clerk of Assembly Dr Donald Watts, Mr John Hunter and their advisers had a private meeting with the Rt. Hon. John McFall, the Chairman of the Treasury Select Committee, at Stormont this morning, Monday 18 January at 9.00am, and presented a memorandum outlining their concerns about the Presbyterian Mutual Society.

]]> Mon, 18 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT cf5518a6-be4b-47aa-8e06-6bd6d752417d Presbyterian Moderator Dr Stafford Carson has today, Friday 15 January, launched a Church wide appeal to support relief work in Haiti following this week's earthquake.

]]> Fri, 15 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT f7d8eb52-92a9-4631-a407-24e2b1166929 Presbyterian Moderator Dr Stafford Carson has issued the following statement following today's announcement of further UDA decommissioning.

]]> Wed, 06 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT 45b79a20-300a-4d42-bcbd-d29e9709818e Presbyterian Moderator Dr Stafford Carson has taken ill overnight and despite his original intention to do so, cannot now attend today's funeral service for Cardinal Cahal Daly.

]]> Tue, 05 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT 871cc022-89c5-48f9-84db-40bfaed312b9 Presbyterian Moderator Dr Stafford Carson has called for continued prayer, patience and pastoral care as part of the ongoing response to the Presbyterian Mutual Society crisis.

]]> Sat, 02 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT f5e518f1-0bc6-4d2c-b5e6-234ff07f32eb Presbyterian Moderator Dr Stafford Carson has paid the following tribute to Cardinal Cahal Daly.

]]> Thu, 31 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT c13b138a-50a2-4754-9dfa-bcc5a9ca964d On the first Christmas, Jesus was born into a world that was very similar to the one in which we live today. It was full of violence, poverty, problems and religion. Children were killed. People were forced to flee their homeland. Countries were occupied by foreign armies.

]]> Tue, 22 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT b5d19f7c-630c-4143-b58c-ccf221254a81 Presbyterian Moderator Dr Stafford Carson believes that an initial distribution of money to PMS savers planned by the Administrator will begin to ease the distress that many are experiencing.

]]> Fri, 18 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT 333af114-33e8-42f1-8e11-94cb16866bc6 Helpless, but not Hopeless

]]> Thu, 17 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT 49f4dacb-74f5-4599-b434-3dda2261bc24 The leaders of Ireland's four main Churches met today with the leader of the DUP, Rt Hon Peter Robinson.

]]> Tue, 15 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT 678af74f-6a97-40f6-9a3f-3cb19d182652 Presbyterian Moderator Dr Stafford Carson met with the First and Deputy First Ministers today to further highlight the plight of savers in the Presbyterian Mutual Society.

]]> Mon, 07 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT 9004c47e-a8bf-4f39-aa23-65c91ca825b7 Members of the Transferor Representatives' Council (TRC) met today with the First Minister Rt Hon Peter D Robinson MP, MLA to express their concern regarding the future of Controlled schools in the administrative reform of Northern Ireland's education system.

]]> Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT 46404136-d8d0-4516-8095-f4fcf295d12e The Leaders of Northern Ireland's four largest Christian denominations have written to the First Minister and Deputy First Minister to express their concern at the present levels of violent crime and to highlight the need for a comprehensive response to this issue from community and political leaders.

]]> Tue, 10 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT bd59d79f-a9ef-4804-a6d2-925100ef186e A Remembrance Project undertaken by Portstewart Presbyterian Church reaches an important stage this Sunday, 8 November at 11.00am, when a War Memorial Book will be dedicated by Very Rev Dr Godfrey Brown at a special service in the church.

]]> Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT ebd2f812-1141-4982-b441-85c7c5167eee The Presbyterian Church has urged the Prime Minister's Working Group on the Presbyterian Mutual Society to proceed "with the utmost urgency" to make their report.

]]> Wed, 14 Oct 2009 23:00:00 GMT 96a8aa0f-8e49-42b1-9ccd-8ca1f6e87b10 Presbyterian Moderator Dr Stafford Carson leaves this weekend for a two-week visit to Ethiopia to see development projects supported by the Presbyterian Church through its World Development Appeal. Dr Carson's visit is being hosted by Christian Aid and Tearfund through whom Presbyterian World Development has been channelling about £500,000 annually for many years in support of healthcare, agriculture and education programmes in all five continents.

]]> Mon, 27 Jul 2009 23:00:00 GMT a7772690-825a-4904-86c9-0fa74c716e86 Presbyterians in Ballymena have condemned the overnight attacks on Roman Catholic Churches in the area.

]]> Wed, 08 Jul 2009 23:00:00 GMT 0126789c-0aab-4956-8bb1-c8ff1a81a384 Hundreds of young people who are interested in doing something different or trying something new have signed up for summer camps organised by the Presbyterian Church's Board of Youth and Children's Ministry.

]]> Tue, 07 Jul 2009 23:00:00 GMT 981798f4-863d-4590-8e34-296ebe315c69 Presbyterian Moderator Dr Stafford Carson has welcomed today's decommissioning announcement.

]]> Fri, 26 Jun 2009 23:00:00 GMT 0715b371-2e02-4698-9f4a-1db011ac43b6 The Inter Church Addictions Project (ICAP), established three years ago by the Church of Ireland, Presbyterian, Methodist and Roman Catholic Churches has called for the establishment in Northern Ireland of a residential treatment centre for young people, under 18, caught in the grip of addiction.

]]> Thu, 25 Jun 2009 23:00:00 GMT 7b3a1b2d-a379-4555-adb9-0adccc4cb077 Churches in south Belfast have been invited to come together in a service of inter church worship this Sunday night, 21 June, at 7.00pm in Fitzroy Presbyterian Church, Fitzroy Avenue, on the theme of "I was a stranger..."

]]> Wed, 17 Jun 2009 23:00:00 GMT cf500a25-0259-432d-ab52-124774141e4e The funeral arrangements for the three men who died in last weekend's air crash in Kilkeel have been finalised and will take place tomorrow, Friday 19 June as detailed below.

]]> Wed, 17 Jun 2009 23:00:00 GMT 8c7ccdf2-58a7-4a21-8d4e-f55a8b4c89b3 Presbyterian Moderator Dr Stafford Carson has welcomed tonight's announcement that a working group is to be set up aimed at saving the Presbyterian Mutual Society.

]]> Tue, 16 Jun 2009 23:00:00 GMT 2b8e8d2e-8961-4634-9bd6-2e210710183a Presbyterian Moderator Dr Stafford Carson visited the Ozone Centre this morning to show his solidarity with the Romanian families there and give support to the many groups and organisations providing help and assistance.

]]> Tue, 16 Jun 2009 23:00:00 GMT 72b68db4-b372-4492-a6db-c6e251091ef8 Presbyterian Moderator Dr Stafford Carson has described his meeting today, Tuesday 16 June, with First Minister Peter Robinson concerning the Presbyterian Mutual Society (PMS) as "very positive and constructive."

]]> Mon, 15 Jun 2009 23:00:00 GMT 94742222-00e2-45e0-a30e-2d8c147cf5a7 Presbyterian Moderator Dr Stafford Carson will meet with the First Minister this morning at 11.30am in Parliament Buildings to discuss matters concerning the Presbyterian Mutual Society.

]]> Mon, 15 Jun 2009 23:00:00 GMT 0d00e8aa-226d-4f7b-9f05-ddb2024e5844 Both incoming and outgoing Presbyterian Moderators have called on the Government and the Prime Minister for urgent help to relief the distress being experienced by savers in the troubled Presbyterian Mutual Society.

]]> Sun, 31 May 2009 23:00:00 GMT 1fab0085-cfb6-411c-840f-372a2d525f77 Presbyterian Moderator Dr Donald Patton has welcomed the support from other church leaders for savers in the Presbyterian Mutual Society.

]]> Thu, 28 May 2009 23:00:00 GMT f38baa29-65ff-4d6b-a48b-a32ff6265924 The Presbyterian Church General Assembly, which meets next week from Monday June 1 until Thursday June 4, is famous for its talk through speeches and resolutions.

]]> Thu, 28 May 2009 23:00:00 GMT 12859382-cfce-4d01-9769-4ffea5add22b Following the murder of Kevin McDaid the Presbytery of Coleraine and Limavady have issued the following statement.

]]> Thu, 28 May 2009 23:00:00 GMT 0cb25263-0578-4596-9709-d6dfecd8f3d1 Around 1,400 delegates, representatives and guests form the membership of the Presbyterian General Assembly which meets in Church House, Fisherwick Place, Belfast, next week from Monday 1 June until Thursday 4 June to discuss the 300 page book of annual reports and debate and vote on over 200 resolutions.

]]> Sun, 24 May 2009 23:00:00 GMT dfb25e5c-07b5-4d70-8c1b-be40bf051707 The Presbyterian Church's annual 'Connect-4-Mission' Conference is taking place this weekend on Friday 8th and Saturday 9th May at Greenmount College, near Antrim. The theme 'The World, Our Parish' will be explored throughout the 24-hour programme organised by the Board of Mission Overseas.

]]> Wed, 06 May 2009 23:00:00 GMT e2bda470-663e-4182-85c6-f1032ca2fde6 A delegation from the Presbyterian Church met today with representatives from the UPRG in Church House, Belfast.

]]> Tue, 28 Apr 2009 23:00:00 GMT 73e6166f-16e6-4385-bcd0-594c0a1fc3e8 Over 500 Presbyterian ministers, church elders, designated persons and youth leaders will attend a Taking Care child protection conference this Saturday 25th April at Church House in Belfast.

]]> Tue, 21 Apr 2009 23:00:00 GMT 91c0ef02-1105-4d56-a67f-6d54f1ef43c5 A Presbyterian Church in Rathfriland is following in the footsteps of fellow churches in Ballymena by supporting the opening of a shop to aid orphaned children in Europe's poorest nation.

]]> Wed, 15 Apr 2009 23:00:00 GMT 5fe5e42a-a89d-4460-91a8-742310775bc5 Second Ballyeaston Presbyterian Church in County Antrim will host their annual Service for the Farming Community on Sunday 19th April at 7pm.

]]> Tue, 14 Apr 2009 23:00:00 GMT 0c22f99d-aff2-4f43-81d2-19dad78bb82c Thousands of Presbyterians will rise early this coming Sunday, 12th April, Easter Sunday, to celebrate Christ's Resurrection at a series of dawn services being held at a variety of outdoor venues including some of Northern Ireland's most scenic and iconic settings.

]]> Tue, 07 Apr 2009 23:00:00 GMT f99ce7fb-1fc7-48f6-aafd-27a4d5c3c3fc The central message of Easter, the death and resurrection of Christ on the Cross, is being publicly displayed across Belfast this Good Friday (April 10) and on Easter Sunday (April 12) when members of several Presbyterian congregations join with other Christians in public acts of witness.

]]> Sun, 05 Apr 2009 23:00:00 GMT e3ae8544-5410-428b-89f6-867371564e34 You can take a Presbyterian Church out of Wellington Street but you can't take it too far out of Ballymena.

]]> Wed, 01 Apr 2009 23:00:00 GMT 68336f29-16ca-4354-ba8f-b1cd5d376037 The support of 28,181 people for the Presbyterian Mutual Society will be made clear tomorrow, Wednesday 1 April, when a petition calling for government help is formally presented in the House of Commons.

]]> Tue, 31 Mar 2009 23:00:00 GMT 5a6c7ea8-8a16-4fdf-a75e-54aeb0502094 A conference for leaders responsible for Taking Care of children and young people in Presbyterian churches will be held on Saturday 25th April at Church House in Belfast. Organised by the Taking Care team of the Board of Social Witness, the conference will inform Ministers, Designated Persons and Youth workers about the new legislation concerning child protection that will affect all congregations.

]]> Thu, 26 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT a40d29af-4ce6-4dde-a10d-76ceef58ca31 After surviving a sectarian fire attack in 2002 which caused closure for nearly 3 years, and subsequently falling victim to last summer's ferocious flooding, Whitehouse Presbyterian Church will once again re-open its doors for worship this Mothering Sunday, 22 March at 11.00am.

]]> Thu, 19 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT 079c06c0-be28-400d-82e1-3f969f4c1072 A regular fixture on the church calendar, the Ballynafeigh Clergy Fellowship Annual Service, takes on added significance this year following the events of the last few weeks.

]]> Thu, 19 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT 662c14ce-7288-41cf-beb7-0cb9c9f93912 The Education spokesmen for the three main protestant churches in Northern Ireland, Methodist, Church of Ireland and Presbyterian, have put on record their "intense disappointment that the necessary political will did not exist to at least find an accommodation on an agreed and regulated interim arrangement for transfer."

]]> Thu, 19 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT 9691b711-16bf-4415-ae23-1fe9ff368522 At a press conference today the four Church Leaders together with the Irish Council of Churches and Evangelical Alliance, asked churches this weekend to offer special prayers for "our land and our people" and encouraged people to wear a purple ribbon as sign of commitment to working together for good.

]]> Thu, 12 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT 397b9b8b-1368-4e1f-b38e-fd487a2de3c5 Following another dreadful and violent killing I would offer the condolences of the Presbyterian Church and assure the family, friends and colleagues of the murdered policeman of our thoughts and prayers.

]]> Tue, 10 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT c8869110-efcf-4f63-aaf5-d395fab34d36 The leaders of Ireland's four main churches have issued the following statement following the murders on Saturday night.

]]> Mon, 09 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT 157af08d-0e14-46d0-be66-612963ca7614 Following last night's murder of two soldiers, Presbyterian Moderator Dr Donald Patton has issued the following statement.

]]> Sun, 08 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT bfabaf4c-cf14-4f47-b69c-15577f502c71 Presbyterian Women will meet this Saturday 7th March for a special conference in Orangefield Presbyterian Church in Belfast. Popular international speaker Jill Briscoe will address the conference entitled, "When the going gets tough".

]]> Wed, 04 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT 69177677-5466-462d-838f-280a32e52e1d A former retail unit has been transformed into a sacred space for prayer in the city centre. As part of the wider AWAKE initiative organised by the Presbyterian Church in Ireland, a dedicated multi-sensory prayer room has been created to encourage people to take time out of their day and pray.

]]> Fri, 27 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT abf4054b-cbff-405d-9041-d97670bc5fcc Presbyterians are preparing to 'AWAKE' this Sunday in churches across the city and across Ireland. Awake: Prayer stirring passion for mission is in response to a resolution passed by the General Assembly in June 2008 to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the 1859 Revival by having a special time of prayer.

]]> Tue, 24 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT d5050dfb-99ac-40ed-ac72-9c871069b286 Presbyterian Moderator Dr Donald Patton and his wife Florence will be visiting Hungary and Romania from 20th February to 2nd March.

]]> Thu, 19 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT 4520e722-b17e-4e73-8039-ac3487134660 Members of Second Ballyeaston Presbyterian Church are busy preparing the final touches for their upcoming Community Fun Day which is due to take place on Saturday 28th February from 2pm until 5pm.

]]> Thu, 19 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT bdb4b327-22c9-475f-b83c-5b74c54bbd8b Carnmoney Presbyterian Church in North Belfast will host the first in a series of special events planned by the Board of Mission in Ireland.

]]> Tue, 17 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT 248e029b-493b-42c9-b2e1-1c7c31b5c5c7 Presbyterian Moderator Dr Donald Patton has told the General Board of the Presbyterian Church meeting in Belfast today, Friday 06 February, that the Church's witness to Jesus Christ as Lord, together with its future work is at stake as it develops its response to events at the Presbyterian Mutual Society.

]]> Fri, 06 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT 3bbd1bf8-25b0-43b2-ae9b-9c083f5bca52 The next Moderator of the Presbyterian Church will be Rev Stafford Carson (57), minister of First Portadown Presbyterian Church.

]]> Tue, 03 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT dc8331b1-252f-42e7-8ff5-4d5083a5253d Presbyterians around Ireland will meet tonight to elect a Moderator Designate to succeed the present Moderator Dr Donald Patton at the Presbyterian General Assembly in June.

]]> Tue, 03 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT efc72b89-1d9e-499e-8694-752e10658999 Presbyterian Moderator Dr Donald Patton has paid the following tribute to Rev Roy Magee.

]]> Mon, 02 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT 1fff913e-4ef4-4d8b-be03-f236e54c3e88 Since November of last year when news broke that the Presbyterian Mutual Society was in trouble, and the subsequent appointment of an Administrator much of my time and thought has been absorbed by the distress and anxiety felt by my fellow investors.

]]> Sat, 24 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT d224a6f2-4904-49e2-8999-85076bddb638 Following the publication today of the Administrator's proposals for the Presbyterian Mutual Society the Presbyterian Church has issued the following statement.

]]> Thu, 15 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT 4536d389-b86b-4d09-9dbc-8fdff6585545 Presbyterian Moderator Dr Donald Patton has announced plans for a service to be held in Church House on Thursday 22 January for those Presbyterians who have suffered trauma and loss as a result of the Troubles and who continue to live with the effects of those years of conflict.

]]> Fri, 09 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT