Speaking with regards to the decisions that the BB took, a spokesperson for PCI said, “Like other churches, PCI has a longstanding and close relationship with the Boys’ Brigade (BB), which is one of the biggest Christian youth organisations on these islands. We do not anticipate that the decisions taken by the BB in Northern Ireland at its AGM will change that mutually beneficial relationship.
“We will of course follow the practical outworking of the Northern Ireland District’s decision and no doubt will be involved in discussions at the appropriate time. We also commend the clarity of the Northern Ireland District in their focus upon their aim of ‘Advancing Christ’s Kingdom amongst boys’.”
The spokesperson continued, “Currently, and going into the future, each week hundreds of volunteer BB leaders play an important part in the life of our local congregations. Boys from the ages of 5 to 18, many of whom have no other connection with the Church, enjoy a programme of activities that support their personal development and help them to explore the Christian faith. We have no doubt this will continue to be the case for the Northern Ireland District moving forward.”