Welcome for new Presbyterian Moderator’s opening remarks

Ballymena SDLP councillor Declan O’Loan has congratulated Rev. John Finlay from Harryville Presbyterian Church, Ballymena on his appointment as the next Moderator of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland. He has welcomed Rev. Finlay’s opening remarks as a sign of a potentially fruitful year in office.

Declan O’Loan said, “I was pleased to hear Rev. Finlay say that he would have no difficulty at all in praying along with Catholics. It was also good to see him accepting the reality of sectarianism when asked about his experience of Harryville and Ballymena. This openness bodes very well for a year in office which can make a valuable contribution to improving relations in the community.

I would be delighted to see the Moderator actively seeking out opportunities to bridge the divide in our society. In particular I hope that the Presbyterian Church will officially invite representation from the Catholic Church to the inauguration of the new Moderator. Gestures such as this are very important signals to the whole community.”