Cradel of Free Presbyterianism Rocked by the Winds of Change

The Cradle of Free Presbyterianism Rocked by the Winds of Change.


Ballymena, at the heart of the North Antrim Constituency, could well be described as the very cradle of Free Presbyterianism; after all it is the home town of the out going MP, Rev Ian Paisley, former moderator of the Free Presbyterian Church. This hub of Paisleyism had grown accustomed to hearing warnings against Romanism, Republicanism, Compromising Unionism, Apostasy and Ecumenism; however, in recent years there is a wind of change beginning to blow.

This spiritual weather system developed, when Mr Paisley led the DUP into power sharing with Sinn Fein; there was shock and dismay amongst ordinary people, at such an uncharacteristic turn around, of a man that had been their spiritual and political leader for decades. His dramatic change of heart, took the breath from those that had lived and voted by the principles that they had heard Rev Ian Paisley preach; people that had been loyal followers of the ‘Doc’ found themselves torn between two opinions; on the one hand they considered the principles of spiritual and political separation which they had lived by, while on the other they looked on the new position of compromise which their leader had adopted.

As these winds of change are blowing, there is very little by way of foundation left, for Ian Paisley junior to build upon. The DUP have surrendered the moral high ground, in the wake of great scandals, and have embraced the base standards of secularism. Traditional unionist values and principles have been compromised by Ian senior, so junior has no foundation here. No dependence can be placed upon evangelical Protestants, as their support would be misplaced in any form of criminal inclusive government.

Free Presbyterians, perhaps, are the most exposed of all, to these spiritually chilling winds of change. Their former moderator has cast away, the once cherished position on separation, now they lack that all important foundation, upon which to launch their attacks against, apostasy, ecumenism and Romanism. How can they support the DUP, without showing support for compromise? On the other hand how can they not support the DUP when their church oversight demands it?

What about the very vulnerable position of TUV members or voters in the Free Presbyterian Church? Will Free Presbyterians view them as traitors, because they have left the church’s political wing? Will these TUV members of the church be shunned or victimised by DUP sympathizers in the church?

So many questions have been raised; as the wind of change, blows the cradle of Free Presbyterianism.

Rev Mervyn Cotton (Heb13:6)