Representatives of the Presbyterian Church are asking for Ulster's controversial Sunday rugby match in January to be rescheduled.
The East Belfast Presbytery in which the Ravenhill ground is situated have written to Sky Television and the European Rugby Cup organisers asking that the match, due to kick off at 1.00pm on Sunday 11 January, be rescheduled for a more appropriate time taking into account 'the ethos and culture of the local community'.
In a letter to the Head of Sky Sports, Mr Vic Wakling, the East Belfast Presbytery, representing 27 Presbyterian congregations in the greater Ravenhill area with a membership of over 23,000 people, expresses its 'dismay' and 'deep regret' at the decision to play the match at lunchtime on a Sunday.
Among the reasons given by the Presbytery in support of rescheduling are the social and religious norms in Northern Ireland and in particular in east Belfast, the disruption and inconvenience that will be caused to local residents and, noting the number of churches in close proximity to the ground, the disruption to congregations and Sunday Schools in the area.
Directing its annoyance particularly at Sky Television and European Rugby Cup, the organisers of the competition, Presbytery notes their lack of any understanding of or sensitivity to local concerns and the apparent absence of consultation with the IRFU (Ulster Branch) so placing the local rugby officials in a very difficult position.
Former Presbyterian Moderator and keen follower of Ulster rugby, Dr Alastair Dunlop is also a member of the East Belfast Presbytery and backs their stance. "Friday evening rugby at Ravenhill has been a great success and contributed significantly to a healthy community spirit and stability' said the minister of Knock.
"As churches we have appreciated the clear policy of the IRFU (Ulster Branch) of no Sunday rugby at Ravenhill. We wish to point out to Sky Television and ERC (European Rugby Cup Ltd) the divisive nature of this decision which we believe has been forced on the local organisers and goes against much of the good work done by the IRFU(Ulster Branch) in promoting good local community relations, cross community support and a positive community spirit throughout the Province."
Concluding its letter, the East Belfast Presbytery calls on all concerned to reschedule the match and directly to Sky and ERC in particular to ensure that such a decision does not arise again.
The full statement of the East Belfast Presbytery is as folows:
The Presbytery of East Belfast is pleased to note the outstanding success of Friday evening matches at Ravenhill Rugby Football Grounds, and congratulates the Ulster Branch of the Irish Rugby Football Union on this significant contribution to a healthy community spirit and increased community stability.
Presbytery, therefore, is dismayed to hear of the decision to schedule Ulster's European Cup rugby match with Leicester Tigers at Ravenhill on Sunday 11th January 2004 at 1.00pm. It deeply regrets this decision for a number of reasons, including the following:
Presbytery calls on
Issued at Cregagh Presbyterian Church
2nd December, 2003
Issued by Stephen Lynas, Presbyterian Information Services. Info@PresbyterianIreland.org
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