Press releases
For more information, please contact the Rev. Roy Cooper (Communications Officer).
7 March 2010
I know that many will want to join me in expressing my sadness on learning of the death, after a period of illness, of Mr. Derick Bingham. Derick has touched the lives of many in Northern Ireland and far beyond. Both as a preacher and a writer he helped many to hear the voice of God through the Scriptures, and encouraged them to deeper commitment and richer faith. As a pastor and friend he came alongside people, particularly those who ...5 February 2010
The President of the Methodist Church in Ireland, the Rev. Donald Ker, has issued the following statment "I warmly welcome the news that proposals regarding the devolution of justice and policing powers have now reached the stage where they can be placed before the Assembly. The lengthy negotiations have demanded substantial commitment of time and energy from all involved. I join with those who hope that this investment will result in agreement which will stand the test of time and ...28 January 2010
CHURCH LEADERS STATEMENT We wish to put on record our admiration for the comittment of all parties engaged in the talks to resolve the issues surrounding the devolution of policing and justice powers to the NI Assembly. We are particularly grateful to the Prime Minster, Gordon Brown and An Taoiseach, Brian Cowan for the intensity, time and energy they have invested in helping to complete the work of devolution. The Prime Minister and An Taoiseach have indicated their conviction that ...6 January 2010
The Rev. Donald P.Ker, President of the Methodist Church in Ireland has issued the following statement subsequent to the announcement of the UDA's decommissioning of its weapons. "With many others I warmly welcome the announcement and independent confirmation of the decommissioning of arms by the U.D.A. I sincerely hope that this move will open the way for the pressing needs of loyalist communities to be more fully addressed. Such needs are best met when all those involved in local community ...31 December 2009
The President of the Methodist Church in Ireland, the Rev. Donald P Ker has issued the following statement on hearing of the death of Cardinal Cahal Daly: Cardinal Daly was a man of strong principles coupled with a gentle Christian spirit. Among the many things which he accomplished during his long ministry were the steps he undertook to improve understanding between the Christian Churches on this Island. Issued by: Rev. Donal P Ker, President of the Methodist Church in Ireland ...15 December 2009
Shaken Foundations For many people in Ireland 2009 has been a testing year. Foundations have been shaken in church and state. There are still forces and tensions in our society which could drive us apart if we, through design or negligence, allow them. At times it has seemed that we in Ireland have lost our way. The old Advent hymn, which calls on God to ‘cheer our spirits' and ‘disperse the gloomy clouds of night', rings especially true. How shall ...10 December 2009
Statement regarding cuts in Health and Social Care The Council on Social Responsibility of the Methodist Church in Ireland expresses its serious concern at the severe financial restrictions and cuts being proposed to health and social care services in NI. We recognise that in the present economic situation many difficult decisions have to be made about priorities in public services. We are aware that historically, health and social care has been underfunded and that since 2007 Trusts have had to ...16 November 2009
Members of the Transferor Representatives' Council (TRC) met with the First Minister Rt Hon Peter D Robinson MP, M LA on Monday 16th November 2009 to express their concern regarding the future of Controlled schools in the administrative reform of Northern Ireland's education system. The TRC represents the Presbyterian Church, the Church of Ireland and the Methodist Church on education matters in Northern Ireland. The TRC believes that the current proposals for the Controlled sector fall well short of delivering ...11 November 2009
FOUR CHURCH LEADERS URGE COMPREHENSIVE RESPONSE TO VIOLENT CRIME The Leaders of Northern Ireland's four largest Christian denominations have written to the First Minister and Deputy First Minister to express their concern at the present levels of violent crime and to highlight the need for a comprehensive response to this issue from community and political leaders. Cardinal Seán Brady (RC), Dr Stafford Carson (Presbyterian Moderator), Archbishop Alan Harper (CoI) and Rev Donald Ker (Methodist President) made their comments in response ...17 October 2009
The President of the Methodist Church in Ireland Rev Donald Ker has offered his condolences and prayers to the woman injured this morning in the East Belfast car bomb attack that appears to have been directed at a member of the PSNI. He expressed anger at those who want to take the community back down the dark road of violence. Rev Donald Ker speaking shortly after the attack said, "I give my full support to the PSNI in their effort ...More in this section
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