The
Reformation in the 16th century delivered Scotland from the yoke of
Romanism and the established religion of our nation is Reformed and
Confessional Presbyterianism. There can be no doubt that this fact is a source
of great annoyance to the Romish hierarchy in this country and at the centre of
that anti-christian system. A disturbing aspect in the increasingly successful efforts
of Roman Catholicism to break down the work of Reformation is the place and
status given to it by politicians, churchmen and by media outlets. It has
become common for our Scottish leadership to consult with Romish bishops and
cardinals when considering policies and laws and it is now accepted that the
voice of Rome on issues of morals gets more publicity than that of any other
religious body. The moral and spiritual vacuum left in our national life and
public media by an apostate Church of Scotland has been all but filled by
Romanist teaching. It is a sad declension indeed when its many errors are
advanced and promoted without a contrary voice against it. The shame of this
must be laid firmly at the door of the professing Christian Church and of
so-called Protestant Churches in particular. The Free Presbyterian Church of
Scotland must be unashamedly Protestant in its adherence to the gospel and to
the work of Reformation from which Scotland has so grievously departed.
In spite of
the glorious work of Reformation brought to this nation, it is now a sad
reality that in both England and Scotland historic Protestantism is viewed with
disapproval and Churches recoil from being identified by that name. The success
of Romanism has extended also to Northern Ireland where, doubtless in the interests
of the peace process, the Protestant First Minister has defended his attendance
at a requiem mass. Such betrayal and departure distresses the people of God who
feel increasingly that the Church of Christ is carried captive and is in a
“strange land” where they can no longer sing “the Lord’s song.” We reject
entirely the necessity for any politician or other public figure to give
attendance at a requiem mass in order to show respect to the dead or sympathy
to the living. The political reasons for Peter Robinson’s attendance at a mass
may prevail with some to bring them to endorse or defend his action. The word
of God requires of Christians that they “flee from idolatry.” The Free
Presbyterian Church of Scotland has always contended that public figures are
bound by the law of God in their offices and positions and that attending a
Roman Catholic Mass as a public office-holder is a sin with several
aggravations and therefore more rather than less heinous than attending in a
private capacity.
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