Paisley to quit as church leader
As predicted by a number of commentators, including this blog, Ian Paisley has announced that as Free Presbyterian Moderator. He has decided not to stand next January, when the position next becomes vacant. On tomorrow's programme, we'll ask if he was pushed. Certainly, his decision to form a joint executive with Sinn Féin has provoked enormous controversy across the twelve-thousand member denomination.
Comments
Fascinating. I have to say this is still surprising.... maybe just because it signals the end of an era.
I'd love to have been a fly on the wall in that presbytery meeting. He's certainly been pushed. Shoved aside. Now the FPC can continue to shrink.
It's another amazing decision for the better from a man who has waited till the last to make his mark on history.
It's also the right thing in my mind. Paisley has settled well into the role of first minister. He will now be able to give it his full and undivided attention without risking confilict of interest. A seperation between church (and by that I mean all churches) and state is essential if we are to grow as a society.
"this decision to form a joint executive with Sinn Fein has provoked enormous controversy..."
Hardly surprising to me at all, in fact entirely expected. Once you have militarily and politically conquered the heathens, it's god's directive and your mission to save their souls. How better than from the inside? I liked it better in the days of the colonial empire when you didn't know if a true missionary being invited to dinner by the chief of the yet to be converted was to be treated as an honored guest or as the main course. Entree: Paisley Irish Stew, a hearty meal of well cooked aged Anglican minister, boiled potatoes, and other vegetables in a thick well spiced broth served with a side dish of boiled cabbage and Guinness stout.
I have to say I am Surprised that Mr. Paisley gave up the head job of the Free Presbyterian Church and I have to wonder did he jump ship or was he pushed. Why after all the shouting by some Free Ministers was there not a vote? Why were there no candidates to stand against him in a fair Election?
Why did everybody have to resign?
Would it not have looked good if someone stood for Election against Paisley and came top? Once again the Free Presbyterians are trying to say everything is ok but when you read a lot of their bogs they are far from it.
It will be interesting days when Mr. Paisley is not First Minister what will he do then seek re-election as Moderator of the Free Church I do not think he could survive if he could not be the Head of something!
The motion was carried with a majority of 12 with 12 sitting on the fence by abstaining.
There’s a newly published book first published 2007 by Prof Steve Bruce called who seems to be the flavour of the month at the moment, maybe William could do a review of the book or interview Prof Steve as the book has an academic price tag.