I have been informed that the late Mr George McConnell, long time faithful supporter of the Free Presbyterian Church missionary outreaches, sent in a letter of resignation to Presbytery at the beginning of this year (2025), explaining that he could no longer serve in the position he had occupied for many years because of its treatment of Rev David DiCanio.
Mr McConnell had a very high regard for Mr DiCanio and felt that his treatment by the Free Presbyterian Church, resulting in his expulsion as a missionary, was disgraceful.
However, I understand that his letter was not read out in full and the impression was left with the members of Presbytery that he had resigned because of ill-health.
That was not the reason but it likely suited the officers of Presbytery for the members of Presbytery to go away with that impression.
Mr McConnell was held in high regard by all within the Free Presbyterian Church and his views regarding the treatment of Rev David DiCanio would have alarmed many people and, doubtless, embarrassing questions would have been asked of the Presbytery officers.
If I am mistakenly informed about this issue, the Presbytery can easily set the matter straight by publishing Mr McConnell’s letter of resignation and I will certainly inform the readers of ‘The Burning Bush’ of the true facts.
It is important that the name and honour of a faithful man be upheld and that the reason for his resignation not be disgracefully concealed and misrepresented by a withholding of the truth on this matter.
Perhaps some member of Presbytery, on reading this, will ask for the letter to be read out in full to Presbytery, for I feel that, as is the usual case, there will be no response to what I publish!
Rev Ivan Foster (Rtd)