The Free Presbyterian Church of Ulster views with deep concern the reports that Secretary of State Brandon Lewis is set to act, by way of regulation at Westminster, to direct the department of health to commission abortion services.
As a church we have consistently campaigned upon the Scriptural position that abortion is the murder of innocent human beings and for some to classify this as a health care issue for women is beyond credulity. The Bible treats children in the womb as fully human (Psalm 139:13-15).
Psalms 139:13-14
13 For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother’s womb. 14 I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.
Our conscience is bound by the Word of God that says “Thou shalt not kill” (Ex. 20:13). We are concerned that the
flouting of God’s law will further increase God’s judgement on the nation.
We are shocked that the Secretary of State should contemplate over-ruling the devolution of powers to Stormont to bring in such a regulation. To simply force unwanted doctrinaire regulations on people is not a way to ensure stability or confidence in democracy in our community.
We urge those politicians who are pro-life to stand firm in their convictions. You cannot be party to the commissioning of the killing of the innocent even when it is incongruously done in the name of human rights. This is an occasion when you should resist at every turn.
We are conscious of women who are in distressing circumstances. The answer to your need is found in a loving Saviour. The best, most compassionate counsel, a woman who has had an abortion can receive is to be told of the pardoning love of God. To those who are contemplating an abortion we ask you to get in touch with us or those who are very willing to help you. The gospel calls on all to repent and be converted to a gracious Saviour (Acts 3:19).
Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;
Acts 3:19
Signatories
John Armstrong (Moderator)
John Greer (Clerk of Presbytery)
Colin Mercer (Deputy Moderator)
Geoffrey Abraham (Mulvin)
Darryl Abernethy (Portadown)
David Brown (Larne)
Ian Brown (Martyrs Memorial)
Ray Carscadden (Coragarry)
Jonathan Creane (Convoy)
Leslie Curran (LTBS)
Gordon Dane (Crossgar)
John Douglas (Lisburn)
Paul Foster (Dromore)
Paul Fitzsimons (Mullaglass)
Gary Goodes (Randalstown)
John Gray (Tandragee)
Ian Harris (Annalong)
Daniel Henderson (Moneyslane)
Roger Higginson (Lisburn)
Ian Kenny (Hillsborough)
Marcus Lecky (Cookstown)
Brian Lorimer (Cloughmills)
Graham Lucas (Garvagh)
Thomas Martin (Comber)
Gregory McCammon (Gilford)
Brian McClung (Newtownabbey)
Stephen McCrea (Carrickfergus)
Peter McIntyre (Clogher Valley)
Ryan McKee (Magherafelt)
David McLaughlin (Carryduff)
David McMillan (Armagh)
Nathan McVeigh (Dunmurry)
Graham Middleton (Tullyvallen)
Joshua Moffatt (Bangor)
Andrew Murray (Ardaragh)
Samuel Murray (Portavogie)
Thomas Murray (Lurgan)
Timothy Nelson (Ballynahinch)
Timothy Ormerod (Sixmilecross)
David Park (Ballymoney)
Andrew Patterson (Mourne)
Julian Patterson (Ballymagerny)
James Potter (Enniskillen)
Raymond Robinson (Kesh)
Cairan Salt (Aghalee)
David Smith (Banbridge)
Alan Smylie (Ballygowan)
David Stewart (Portglenone)
Andrew Stewart (Ballymena)
Paul Thompson (Antrim)
Garth Wilson (Sandown Road)
Lindsay Wilson (Castlederg)
John Woods (John Knox Memorial)
Stanley Barnes (Retired)
Maurice Baxter(Retired)
Trevor Baxter(Retired)
William Beattie (Retired)
Jarnes Beggs (Retired)
Harry Cairns (Retired)
Ivor Cartwright
Gordon Cooke (Retired)
S. B Cooke (Retired)
David Creane (Retired)
Craig Dennison (TBS)
Derek Erwin (Retired)
Gordon Ferguson (Retired)
Ivan Foster (Retired)
David Gordon (Retired)
Fred Greenfield (Retired)
Paul Hanna
Jim Hartin (Retired)
Ron Johnstone (Retired)
Philip Kyle
Thomas Laverty
David Linden (Retired)
Maurice McCaughey
William McCrea (Retired)
William McDermott (Retired)
Wesley McDowell (Retired)
David McIlveen (Retired)
Raymond McLernon (Retired)
John Morrow (Retired)
Michael Patrick (Retired)
Larry Power (Retired)
David Priestley (Retired)
Roy Stewart (Retired)
Calvin Stripp
William Whiteside (Retired)
George Whyte (Retired)
