I.R.A. Terrorists Convicted
Four I.R.A. terrorists, who took part in bombings and shootings in London in 1975 which resulted in six deaths, including those of Professor Gordon Hamilton-Fairley and Mr Ross MacWhirter, were convicted at the Old Bailey in London in February and sentenced to life imprisonment. One of the saddest aspects of the trial was the state of mind of the convicted terrorists who appeared to have no scruples of conscience over the evil they had done.
The Roman Catholic Church must bear much responsibility for the situation in Northern Ireland. The cause of Irish nationalism has been supported by the Roman Catholic Church in order to extend its power throughout Ulster. Only the vigilance and steadfastness of the Protestants has prevented the take-over which the Romanist Church desires. The Ulster question is not to be resolved easily, and certainly not until, through firmness on the part of the Authorities, it is made clear to the terrorists and their supporters that they will never succeed in their vicious campaign. The real answer, of course, to Ulster and Eire’s problem is such an outpouring of the Spirit of grace upon the whole land as to deliver the Romanists from their infatuated allegiance to Popery and the Protestants from their largely nominal adherence to Christianity.
Rhodesia
The situation in Rhodesia is now grave with guerilla attacks on Mission stations and personnel becoming more frequent. The murder of a number of Roman Catholic missionaries at the hands of terrorists gives an indication of what is in store for Missions if the Communist-inspired guerillas are not kept at bay. The Rhodesian forces have their hands full trying to guard their land from these incursions.
The failure of the Geneva Conference to reach any settlement of the Rhodesian problem was not unexpected as the Rhodesian African leaders themselves are each striving to obtain places of power in a new Rhodesian Government. Mr Ian Smith, meanwhile, is to attempt to reach a settlement with Africans within the country. This, no doubt, would be best for the country if it can be achieved but the Communists will do their best to prevent it.
We pray that Rhodesia may be preserved from more bloodshed and that Christ’s Cause there might be maintained. The Lord sits King upon His Throne for ever and ever rules by His power. He is able to order all things to His own glory and for the overthrow of His enemies. Let us remember the Mission Staff out in that land who face a difficult and trying situation. May they be enabled at this time to put their trust in the Lord who is more in might than many waters and may they be encouraged by His own word: “When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.” Is. 43:2.
Pope’s Primacy Conceded
In a document prepared by a joint commission of Roman Catholic and Anglican scholars, the acceptance of the Pope as the Primate of reconciled Roman Catholics and Anglicans was recommended. The document states, however, that the Anglicans still found difficulty in the acceptance of the Pope’s infallibility in his teaching and also of his claim of universal jurisdiction.
The Romanist and Anglican Churches have been working out over many years a scheme which would reconcile the two bodies. Here in this document, as in earlier documents on other aspects of the teaching of the two Churches, it is all too evident that it is the Anglican Church which is required to make concessions in order that the movement towards unity may be accomplished. Consequently, all the unscriptural dogmas of the Roman Church will be embraced by the Anglicans whatever conciliatory form of words is used to express this teaching. Only a revival of true religion in England can prevent the ultimate absorption of that body in the Roman Church.
Film Producer Thorsen Denied Entry
Jens Thorsen, the Danish film producer, whose expressed intention of making a blasphemous film on the life of Christ raised a storm of protest throughout the nation last year, was denied entry into the country when he arrived at Heathrow Airport in London from Copenhagen. The Home Secretary, Mr Merlyn Rees, explained to the House of Commons that his exclusion was conducive to the public good.
It is gratifying to know that the Home Secretary has acted firmly in this matter. We trust that others of like outlook will be given the same short shrift. Our nation has suffered for too long already at the hands of those whose aim appears to be the undermining of religion and morality. May Jens Thorsen’s expulsion be a warning to others.