Article – Page 247 – The Burning Bush

Response to ‘Newsletter’ article on Rev Ian Brown

Rev. Ian Brown, minister at Martyrs Memorial FPC

“Rev Ian Brown: Martyrs Memorial cleric finally opens up on why he did not attend Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral – despite a personal invitation”

So read the headline in a ‘Belfast Newsletter’ article of Wednesday, 21st September.

I understand from Rev Brown himself, that he did not attend the funeral for the late Queen because the funeral service was a highly ecumenical service, with representatives present from just about every religion in the United Kingdom.

However, that is not stated in the ‘Newsletter’ article.

What I find very disturbing as a Free Presbyterian who wishes to remain faithful to my ordination oath, whereby I promised before God, in response to the following question: “Will you maintain with all the strength God shall give you the truly Scriptural separation position of the Free Presbyterian Church of Ulster and vigorously withstand the apostasy of Irish Presbyterianism exhorting God’s people the teaching and commandment of I Timothy 6:3-5?” — a very positive “YES”!

It is reported in the ’Newsletter’ that: “The News Letter has spoken to a range of Free Presbyterian clerics from across NI today, and it was clear many of them took that view the funeral service was “ecumenical” or in their view, promoting joint worship involving a range of religions.

However it was also clear some did not see it in that light; others saw it as a state occasion no different to state-led war remembrance ceremonies, where a variety of faith leaders may take part in order to represent the various faiths of military personnel.”

The ’some’ referred to take much upon themselves to declare that there are occasions that the Free Presbyterian ordination oath does not apply and it is in order to fellowship with those God’s Word forbids us to fellowship with. (more…)

‘Christian focused’ RE should be scrapped in schools, study says

The day after Queen Elizabeth II is buried this headline appears on the BBC website here in Northern Ireland. I believe it to be ominously significant.

I am not a defender of the ‘religion’ taught in state schools for it is but an amalgam of the ecumenical folly taught in the churches generally.

However, to replace it with the programme these ‘researchers suggest is to make state schools even more the ‘fountainhead’ of anti-Christian teaching.

The news report serves to remind us of those who see it their purpose in life to underline the last vestiges of Bible religion!

Every day seems to present that which demands that Christians act to preserve and encourage ‘Christian Schools’, for Independent Christian Schools present the only hope of preserving true Biblical instruction for school children.

Sincerely in Christ’s name,

Ivan Foster

‘Christian focused’ RE should be scrapped in schools, study says

Laws which mean schools have to teach “Christian focused” Religious Education (RE) and hold a daily act of collective worship should be scrapped, a University of Ulster (UU) research paper has said.

It says more “controversial issues” should be taught in classrooms.

There should also be “joint community schools” rather than religiously segregated ones. (more…)

The underlying hatred of Romanism for the British throne illustrated

Here is a picture which serves to highlight the underlying hatred of Romanism for the British throne because it is constitutionally Protestant, though it has drifted far away from the truths of God’s Word.