The British Government and Sinn Fein
In December the British Government entered into exploratory talks with Sinn Fein, the political wing of the I.R.A. The announcement of these talks came three months after the start of the I.R.A. ceasefire. It is clear that the I.R.A. have given no assurance of a permanent cessation of violence though this was made a condition for talks to begin. It is also clear that the I.R.A. are still in possession of their weapons and that they will not give them up until a comprehensive political settlement has been reached in Northern Ireland — and, no doubt, that will have to be a settlement which meets their requirements.
It is sad to think that the representatives of those, who were so lately murdering their fellow-men in cold blood, should be given any opportunity to talk with British Government officials. Were they truly penitent for the evils they have done, it might be different, but it is evident that this is not so. Our nation may reap terrible judgments yet for contemning in this way, men who are enemies of civilised government and perpetrators of fearful atrocities.
The Theology of the Archbishop of York
It is reported that the Archbishop of York said that there was nothing in the human body that departs when we die. He maintained that an individual’s identity was held in the mind of God. He also expressed the view that hell is not regarded as a serious option these days. “We must all die,” he said, “so that others may live.” If one of the leaders of the Church of England speaks in this way, then what can be expected of the people under his teaching.
The Pope and his Book
The Pope has written a book called “Crossing the Threshold of hope.” The book has been described as the last testament of a waning Papacy. How good it would be if this came to pass! With seeming condescending deference, the Pope says that, though the Roman Catholic Church knows that it has received the fulness of the means of salvation, it rejoices when other Christian communities join it in preaching the gospel. What arrogance! When, we may ask, did the Romish Church begin to preach the gospel? Commenting on the Churches originating in the Reformation, he acknowledged that the gap between them and the R.C. Church was greater than that between the Eastern Orthodox Churches and the R.C. Church. He claimed that several fundamental elements established by Christ were not respected by the Protestant Churches. So says the Antichrist.
Opening of Licensed Bingo Clubs and Casinos in Scotland
At present, bingo clubs open on Sabbath afternoons in England and Wales. In Scotland, they open only in the evening, from 7.30 p.m. to 11 p.m. The Bingo Association for Great Britain has submitted representations to the Home and Health Department at the Scottish Office claiming that social attitudes have changed since the 1960s, and there is now a genuine demand for Sabbath afternoon opening in Scotland. The Scottish Office have issued a consultation paper seeking view on possible amendment of the Gaming Act 1968, and at the same time they have asked for views about opening casinos as well.
The following response has been sent by the Kirk-Session of the Inverness Free Presbyterian Church of Scotland.
1. The MARC Europe Census co-ordinated through the National Bible Society for Scotland, Prospects for Scotland, 1984, showed that 17% of the adult population of Scotland attended church, which was a much larger figure than England (9%)
(The current survey, October 1994, is not to hand yet.) This shows that there continues to be a difference between Scotland and England, so that the argument by the Bingo Association for Great Britain that the law of Scotland should be brought into line with that of England is not sound.
2. There is still a considerable demand for evening worship in Scotland (often from about 6-6.30 p.m. till 8 p.m.) — 53% of all churches
So that there should be no change to bring forward the opening time of bingo clubs from 7.30 p.m. as at present, rather these clubs should be shut on Sabbath.
3. The Rothschild Royal Commission on Gambling recognised that one of the principles for gambling policy should be that the demand for gambling should not be positively encouraged because, if taken to excess, it can cause misery for the individual and his family, and have damaging consequences for society as a whole
Sadly, the provision of a National Lottery has given a measure of respectability to gambling which will lead to further attempts to derestrict gambling. This request from the BAGB can be read as such an attempt. The Scottish Office should not be seen to be giving encouragement to further gambling. If this is allowed, where will it end?
4. A Government which wishes to promote fiscal prudence is undermining personal prudence in management of private finances if it promotes the gambling instinct.
5. It therefore follows that we are as totally opposed to casinos opening on Sabbath afternoon
The lack of demand from casinos can be viewed as a piecemeal approach to breaking down Sabbath restrictions. It would not surprise us that they are holding back until bingo clubs obtain this further concession. If bingo clubs are allowed to proceed, we may expect a request from casinos in order to be “brought into line” with the bingo clubs. It is therefore all the more imperative that bingo clubs be not allowed to open on Sabbath afternoons; it is the thin edge of the wedge.
6. While the evils of gambling should be apparent, this further desecration of the Lord’s Day is offensive to the Most High and is not conducive to the good of society
Those who are responsible for implementing such further desecration need to be reminded that they will be held accountable by the Judge of all the earth at the last day for the abuse of their authority.
Those who would like to respond to this matter can write to: Mr I. F. Cuthbertson, The Scottish Office, Home and Health Department, Room 31B, St Andrew’s House, Edinburgh EH1 3DG.
D.M.B.