Free Presbyterian Foundation Divided

Foundation of Free Presbyterianism Divided


Back in the early seventies, when the Free Presbyterian Church settled its principles on the political foundation, many scriptural arguments were advanced to justify this erroneous position. Rev Ian Paisley was considered by some in his church, to be a prophetic figure, a kind of a modern day Joseph, a modern day Daniel, a man brought to the kingdom for such a time as this. Every attempt was made to spread the separatist principle equally throughout the church and party. Many Free Presbyterians considered their politically reinforced foundation to be impregnable, perhaps even long lasting.

When Free Presbyterianism compromised its separatist principles and turned away from the solid foundation of God’s precious Word, what ensued, sadly, was inevitable; ruinous shame and confusion swept Christian standards, principles and testimonies into the secular gutter. For Free Presbyterians, to enter power sharing, within a terrorist associated government, was tantamount to entire self destruction. In order to enter fully into this political arrangement, Free Presbyterians had to shift away from the bedrock of God’s Word and to build upon a purely secular foundation; this has meant the total surrender of all their former principles and standards.

Now, Free Presbyterians are battling it out on the foundation of secularism against one another, in order to gain political or perhaps personal advantage. It is now common place for two Free Presbyterians to contest the same Westminster seat in the forth coming general election; Free Presbyterian ministers can walk the road of political compromise while at the same time claim to be walking with God before their congregations.

The politically reinforced foundation on which the Free Presbyterian Church stood for the last forty years, has divided asunder under the weight of spectacular compromise. With the ‘house of Paisley’ already fallen, the semi detached block which houses his party and church, is found unsafe and unsatisfactory for occupancy.



Rev Mervyn Cotton (Heb13:6)