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It's so, so pathetic.

Hi John

Pathetic? I'm not so sure.


Here's what we've had:

A disagreement. (what would life be without them?)

A very public difference of opinion.

Regular 'positive and friendly' meetings by those in dispute.

'Deepened understanding'

Sessions 'respectful of each others views'.

A joint statement.

Planned meetings of the congregations.


All that sounds like an attempt to solve a problem, at least it does to me.

One of my wife's friends is an elder at Carnmoney Presbyterian, Stafford Carson's previous congregation. I quized him on the situation at Portadown and it would seem that all is not as it appears. Do not judge Rev. Stafford Carson too harshly.

Peter Morrow- The very idea that a minister would not accept another in his pulpit because of her gender is pathetic. I've met Carson a couple of times; I'm sure he's a nice guy (even if the holder of utterly moronic views). This 'resolution' is a resolution to a disagreement that should never have taken place at all. I once attended a church in which the committee took a whole night to decide on the colour of the toilet roll holders. That they came to a resolution was good, I guess; that they had it in the first place was pathetic.

Peter Henderson- I think you should explain why Carson shouldn't be judged harshly over this; so far you've only said rather cryptically that it's "not what it appears". What does that mean?

Peter Henderson- I think you should explain why Carson shouldn't be judged harshly over this; so far you've only said rather cryptically that it's "not what it appears". What does that mean?

John: At first I had the same feelings as yourself over the matter (i.e. the whole affair was petty and pathetic).

However, I have heard Rev. Carson preach on a number of occasions and he certainly doesn't come over as having extreme views.

I'm really only going on here-say on this but if you think of the structure of the Presbyterian church in Ireland and some of the people who have the power in a congregation (i.e.members of the Kirk session, clerk of session etc.) you'll be along the right lines on what I've been told. It's not just the minister who has the power to make decisions in the Presbyterian church.

Hi John

"The very idea that a minister would not accept another in his pulpit because of her gender is pathetic....a disagreement that should never have taken place at all."

Indeed, some people feel that way, but others don't. Therefore we *have* a disagreement. Simply saying we shouldn't have one isn't going to stop one.

So, what do we do in the case of a disagreement?

Shout pathetic at one another, or try to reach understanding?

Peter Henderson- I see what you're saying; it's the Session rather than the minister with the major issues. Why Carson wouldn't just say that and ask the Clerk of Session to explain their asininity is another matter of what is wrong with the church.

Peter Morrow- I'm merely saying it's pathetic, which is one opinion on the matter. I couldn't care less whether they resolve it or not; the more this archaic form of religion self-destructs due to such farcicality, the better for the church in general. But calling it what it is brings a level of brutal honesty to the church that it is sorely lacking. As a former presby I'm pleased to give them the gift of candour.

Hi John

I actually do care whether or not it is sorted out.

You are also going to have to decide whether 'pathetic' is 'one opinion on the matter' or a statement of 'what it is'.

The whole matter would not have arisen at all if Christians realised that the incarnation is to be celebrated everyday rather than one made up day a year.

David

I agree with the stand the Rev Stafford Carson took on banning this feminist apostate who is an ecumenist and rejects the authoritative word of the living God, from entering his church pulpit. Why on earth would any minister who is called of God, and who believes Gods infallible book have fellowship with liberal apostates who do not believe the Bible and who have their religiosity but who are not born again of the Spirit of God? From such withdraw thyself! Have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather "reprove" them. I hope Stafford does not bow to the pressure from the spiritual darkness from within the apostate Irish Presbyterian Church!