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In a week where new reports have highlighted the dramatic increase in teenage drinking and the problems related to it the Presbyterian Church has praised the government for stepping up the war against drugs.
Rev Brian Boyd, convener of the Church's Alcohol and Drug Education Committee, welcomed the appointment of Britain's first drug Tzar Keith Hellawell. 'Hopefully Mr Hellawell will be given powers to provide real support and encouragement, especially to little supported voluntary groups and churches who have been working tirelessly in caring, prevention, education and other roles for many years.'
The committee also reiterated its total opposition to recent campaigns for the legalisation of cannabis. 'It is right that cannabis should remain illegal, because of its dangers. There is also the threat that pressure groups will add other drugs onto this campaign for legalisation,' added Mr Boyd.
The Presbyterian Church has been at the forefront of anti drugs campaigning for many years through the production of resource materials, talking directly to young people and training of leaders. 'We seek to help young people think of themselves as special and encourage them to change the negative aspects of the world they live in, especially through a relationship with God and caring for their families,' said Laurence Kerr, the Presbyterian Alcohol and Drug Education Officer.
Mr Kerr will address the decriminalisation debate in a presentation to be made at the Creste Forte Hotel in Dunmurry on Sat 22 November and is spearheading a multi-media youth event in Ulsterville Presbyterian Church (8.30pm) on Sunday 23rd November.
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