President's Blog

Statement re Pastor McConnell remarks

26 May 2014

On Thursday night I was asked on Twitter if the Methodist Church had made any statement in the light of remarks made by Pastor McConnell. We had made a brief statement in response to a question from the Nolan Show and I promised to post it.  The statement is as follows:

"While The Methodist Church in Ireland along with other Christian churches would appeal for the removal of the death penalty on the young woman in Sudan who converted from Islam to Christianity, it would nevertheless never seek to denigrate or demonise all Muslims or their faith."

Christian Kindness

22 May 2014

I am very grateful to Anita Gracie for this wonderful "wet feet" story:

Prayers for Whiteabbey

19 May 2014

I was sad  to hear the news of the fire at Whiteabbey Methodist. The Church is not the building, but buildings hold meaning and that building is well used in the life of its community. So this happening is very tough for the Methodist people in Whiteabbey and a lot of hard work lies ahead.

Chaplaincy Lecture University of Ulster Belfast

14 May 2014

It was great to be at the University of Ulster, Belfast campus yesterday evening for the Chaplaincy lecture. The influence of the ecumenical chaplaincy team is clearly valued as an integral part of the life of the University

May 12 - Mission Volunteers

13 May 2014
Mission Volunteers

With the wonderful Volunteers In Mission team who are working very hard at Forthspring. The television in the background was donated through fund raising by young people from Burnt Hills United Methodist Church

Girls Brigade Display

13 May 2014
Girls Brigade Londonderry

In Londonderry evening of 9 May for the Girls Brigade Display on Clooney Hall. Frances, who is retiring as Captain, has served her Lord through GB for 40 years- wonderful witness

Church of Ireland General Synod

12 May 2014

On May 10th  legislation on interchangeability of ministry was passed at the Church of Ireland General Synod. The equivalent legislation has already been approved by the Methodist Church in Ireland. This is a truly significant moment on the history of both traditions

Inspiring and Hop-filled Days

8 May 2014

One of the great things about this year is the variety which each day brings. It has been an inspiring and hope-filled 36 hours. Tuesday began with a visit to the Northern Ireland Hospice and the NI Children's Hospice, hosted by the chaplaincy team. It was inspiring to see even something of the work which staff and volunteers do - and to have the privilege of meeting some of the folk in Hospice.

Methodists run Marathon

5 May 2014
Mararthon Methodists

Lots of Methodists took part in Marathon related events today. Here are some of them at the Finish, members of the team who did the 8 mile walk for Christian Aid- definitely not the fastest, possibly the wettest!

Dublin Visit

5 May 2014

A great day in Dublin yesterday. With the North Dublin Circuit in the morning. It was so good to meet some old friends and folk who are sacrificially living out their commitment to Jesus.Then this afternoon we celebrated the 150th anniversary of Christ Church Sandymount. It was wonderful to share in the service with Rev Dr Rob Craig, the Moderator of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church and to hear Mervyn McCullough preach a sermon that was both challenging and encouraging.

Pages