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Introduction:
Making the Cross Count
David Porter
Comment:
We Don't Have to do Anything
Denis Bambrick
Affliction
David Bolton
When
Worlds Collide
Alwyn Thomson
The
Way of the Cross
David Porter
Parades
Commission
David Porter
PARADES
COMMISSION
On the 26 March this year, the Secretary of State announced the appointment
of the Parades Commission in response to the recommendations of the North
Report. Among the five members assigned to the Commission are two prominent
Evangelicals, the Rev Roy Magee and David Hewitt. The latter has had a
long association with the work of ECONI and has served as a trustee, chair
of the Steering Group and a member of our Central Co-ordinating Group.
During the last ten years the work of ECONI has aimed to encourage Evangelical Christians in Northern Ireland to engage more fully with the challenge of living in our divided community. During this period ECONI has presented an Evangelical and Biblical perspective to various commissions, forums and political parties. In doing so we have recognised that words need to be matched with a willingness to be responsibly involved in those areas where we express our views and concerns.
Within ECONI we accept that this practical engagement will be done in a variety of ways, formal and informal, individually and corporately. We therefore welcomed the invitation to David Hewitt to become a member of the Parades Commission and support his appointment.
In the light of this however it has been agreed that it is best for the work of ECONI and for David's role as an individual within the Parades Commission, that he stand down as chair of ECONI's Steering Group and member of our Central Co-ordinating Group. As a co4ounder of ECONI David has played a major part in developing and guiding our organisation. It was hard for us to reach this decision but consider it right to release him for a wider public role in our community at this crucial time.
The diversity of political and social concerns within the Evangelical family will inevitably lead to different ways of engaging with the issues of a divided society. This diversity has the potential for significant creativity and practical involvement for Christians. However, it also holds the possibility of profound misunderstanding and division.
It is therefore important to the integrity of our witness that we recognise the diverse and legitimate ways that Christians can work for the healing of our community. This will involve a sensitivity to different forms of engagement, an honest representation of others, a willingness to dialogue, an openness to alternative perspectives and a respect for the sincerity of those involved in difficult and controversial situations.
Above all, we are called to pray for each other. In this, David and Roy, and all the members of the Parades Commission can be assured of our prayers as they take up their onerous task.
David Porter - ECONI's Director
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