Row rumbles on in Ballynahinch church dispute

Row rumbles on in Ballynahinch church dispute

11 September 2013

A FURTHER protest at Ballynahinch Congregational Church on Sunday was peaceful — but there is no sign of a resolution to the bitter split which last week saw police called to church doors.

On Sunday over 50 opponents to the Rev. George Speers staged a walkout during the morning service.

However, there was no repetition of last week’s unruly scenes, in which protesters shouted, stamped, whistled and jeered during a sermon. The evening service also passed peacefully with no protests.

After several days of silence, Mr. Speers also responded at the weekend with a statement criticising the actions of the protesters and saying he would “not be deterred” from continuing in his post.

Mr. Speers has been a minister at the church, which has around 90 members, since 2003. However, a series of long-running theological and personality clashes have led to a split in the church over the past year.

The protesting group, which no longer considers Mr. Speers as their minister, claims to have the support of 75 per cent of the congregation. They say Mr. Speers and his ministerial team have not received a salary since he was voted out by a majority of members in June 2012.

In his statement, Mr. Speers said he had accepted a call to be minister of Ballynahinch Congregational Church in 2003 and intended to continue in that role.

“Since that time I have fulfilled my calling in accordance with the teachings and doctrines of ure and have adhered to the principles and practices of Congregationalism,” he said.

“I will not be deterred from preaching the Gospel by the illegal actions of a group of protesters.

“By their actions they have violated all that Scripture teaches about worship and have denied others the fundamental liberty to worship without interference.

“I have attempted to bring about a resolution through the use of internal church structures. I have also engaged in joint talks facilitated by third parties. Sadly, a resolution accorded with Biblical principles could not be found.

“The accusations which have been made against me are false. In accordance with the broad teachings of the Word of God, however, I am unable and therefore unwilling to discuss the internal affairs of the church in the public domain.”

Mr. Speers added that he had been “greatly encouraged by the messages of support given to me by members of my congregation, ministers from various denominations and members of the general public”.

Following Sunday’s walk out, church trustee Sammy Graham read out a statement outlining the protestors’ views on the position of Mr. Speers and two of his assistants.

“Our church’s solicitors have indicated that the meeting [to remove Rev. Speers] was legal and valid,” he said.

“These three men have been removed but have refused to step down even though they have been issued with their P45 and P60s.”

Mr. Graham accused Mr. Speers of “taking the pulpit by force” every Sunday and added that he was disappointed with last week’s extraordinary scenes.

He claimed, however, that they were brought about by “frustration and deep despair which the majority of the peace-loving members had been brought down to.”