The 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.
In addition to the daytime business sessions for delegates two special evening events have been planned that are open to anyone to join in.
On Tuesday 8 June at 7.45pm 'Talk Policing and Justice' will give the audience and an invited panel the opportunity to discuss this controversial topic.
The audience will have the opportunity to ask questions and put their point of view to a panel that includes PSNI Deputy Chief Constable Judith Gillespie, the acting chair of the Northern Ireland Policing Board Brian Rea, Director of Probation Brian McCaughey and newly appointed Minister of Justice David Ford MLA.
The evening, hosted by the incoming Moderator, will be chaired by Jim Fitzpatrick and is expected to cover a range of topics which will include: dealing with anti social behaviour, resourcing the policing service, possible improvements to the criminal justice system and the priority of policing in relation to other important services like health, education etc.
While Policing and Justice is very important some may ask why should a Church General Assembly devote so much time to it. Incoming Moderator Norman Hamilton has no doubts why. "These are important issues that affect every parish and person within our church," he argues.
"As part of our Christian responsibility we undertake to uphold the authorities in prayer and in order to do that we must understand the issues and dilemas involved and face up to the realities involved. This evening provides an opportunity to meet and engage with those who have to make the difficult decisions that affect all our lives."
Another evening event that is open to everyone is the Assembly Celebration on Wednesday 9 June at 7.45pm
The incoming Moderator has planned this event as 'the equivalent of an MOT for our souls'. What is going on in our lives that is good, well maintained and up to standard, and what is going on that might bring failure, spiritual breakdown or danger are the questions to be asked and answered at the Wednesday evening of the Assembly through an honest assessment of both the encouragements and discouragements facing us today.
Providing some answers will be a panel including the Bishop of Down and Dromore, Rev Harold Miller, former Baptist pastor David McMillan, the director of Scripture Union in Northern Ireland, Helen Warnock and Roz Stirling, the Presbyterian Church's Director of Youth and Children's Ministry along with worship led by the Ballysillan Praise Group.
"The health of our souls matters," says Norman Hamilton, "and yet it is not something we talk about very much. At a time when there is diminishing trust in anything and confidence, even among Christians, is at a low point, this event is designed to help give some direction to building up the spiritual health of both congregations and individuals and to show that our faith gives us the strength to face the future and make a difference for good."
More information about the Presbyterian General Assembly can be found at www.presbyterianireland.org/assembly
Issued by Stephen Lynas, Presbyterian Information Services. Info@PresbyterianIreland.org
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