The changing path of the Free Presbyterian Church

The Changing Path of the Free Presbyterian Church

The church, founded by Rev Ian Paisley, declares itself ‘separatist in practice’ and has the motto, ‘the Scriptures only’.; however, it is difficult, if at all possible, to steer a path of spiritual separation, whilst simultaneously navigating a democratic political one. The moderator of the Free Presbyterian Church has tried this, from the time when he took leadership of the DUP.

When the political party opposed past power sharing attempts, the church prayed for the downfall of such institutions; when the DUP was faced with difficulty of any kind the church called for divine intervention. On the other hand, when the church protested against a lowering of spiritual standards in society, then the political wing offered its support. Everything appeared to be prospering, both in political party and in the church.

However, when the path of the Democratic Unionist Party led into the political agreements at Belfast and St Andrews, then the great test came for the church which preached separation. Rather than breaking with the party back then, the Free Presbyterian Church widened its path to accommodate compromise. It had the opportunity then, to take the advice that it had offered to others in the past, and to ‘come out from among them’.

Next, when the DUP entered into power sharing, the Free Presbyterian Church stood down its moderator, in what seemed to be a damage limitation exercise. On the emergence of the TUV, it was clear, that tensions prevailed within the party. In the church, two distinct wings are now visible, the DUP wing and the TUV wing.

After, driving recklessly on the rough ground of politics, crashing at the dangerous bends of compromise and duplicity, Free Presbyterianism has ended in the breakers yard of error. It is now decision time for God’s people.

Rev Mervyn Cotton (Heb 13: 6)