Roman Catholic Priests and Sexual Abuse
In recent times scandals relating to the priesthood of the Roman Catholic Church have come to light in many lands, including Ireland, where the abuse case brought down the Government. Very recently, in Scotland, the situation in Blairs College, Aberdeen in the 1970’s has been uncovered. In one case the victim was paid £42,000 in compensation by the Roman Catholic Church, yet the abuse was never reported to the police and the priest continued working in parishes. Dr Chiniquay exposed a similar situation in Canada over 100 years ago, and there is no doubt that the situation is not any better today, as more recent revelations in that country have made plain. These things reveal the true nature of Romanism as an antichristian system and exposes the falseness of its doctrine of celibacy as promoting a holier life in priests and nuns. To those who still believe in the false pretensions of the Roman Catholic Church, these revelations must come as a shock. May this open their eyes to the true nature of that system which has so long deceived them.
National Health Service Abortions
The Times reports that a record number of women are having abortions through the National Health Service. Since 1989 the number of abortions under the N.H.S. has risen by 9000 to almost 80,000. The reason given for this rise is that younger managers now set the level of service and that they have not the same outlook on abortion as some of the older gynaecologists, formerly in charge, who regarded abortion as unethical. It is a sad reflection on the N.H.S. and on the recently appointed managers if this is the case. We are told abortions peaked at 174,000 in 1990 but that this fell to 160,500 in 1992 because of a decrease in the population aged 15 to 30. Most of the abortions are performed on women in their late teens and twenties. Were an army of that size to be decimated in battle what a cry would arise at such a catastrophe! At least such men would have had a portion of their lives granted to them, but what of those whose lives are plucked away in the womb? This is Bosnia, Rwanda and Chechenia rolled into one. Is it any wonder that murder is now commonplace? The Lord will yet require the blood of the slain infants at the hand of the nations which have legalised such diabolical crimes.
Condoning of Pagan and Popish Idolatry
The Scottish Reformers’ attitude to the observance of Christmas and other man-appointed “holy” days was both clear and unequivocal. They identified Christmas a “a feast invented by the Papists” and as it had “neither commandment nor assurance in the Scriptures, ought to be utterly abolished from the realm.” That was the view held by the heirs of Knox and Melville down through the centuries and remains to this hour the view of the Free Presbyterian Church of Scotland. Articles in past volumes of this Magazine show clearly that we have been consistent in witnessing against what has been perceived by our watchmen to be nothing other than a countenancing of paganism and idolatry by the professing Church. Outwith our bounds, there were others who were like-minded. In 1913, the late Rev. Kenneth A. MacRae was making the following entry in his Diary: Wednesday, 24th December: Ferintosh — Mr Munro today was strongly condemning the growing tendency in the North to observe the Popish festival of Christmas. It was a tendency that was to grow further. Those who tried to stem the tide were unsuccessful and the observance of Christmas kept pace with the incoming flood of ungodliness and infidelity.
In the 24th December, 1994, issue of the Press and Journal, the attention of any interested readers is drawn to the fact that the “first Presbyterian Christmas watchnight service in Inverness — and possibly in the Highlands”, was held 44 years ago. To help focus attention on the matter, the paper, also, carried a large photograph of the Church of Scotland minister who prides himself on being the one responsible for the innovation. It proved to be a popular innovation; so popular in fact that in 1995 it would perhaps be quite difficult to find a Church of Scotland congregation in the Highlands where such a service is not held. It has become the rule, rather than the exception. Even on the island of Harris, the Tarbert Church of Scotland congregation has its service, but this year, according to the Stornoway Gazette, there was held on Sabbath, 18th December, a “family Christmas service”. Carols were sung by the ‘Sunday’ school pupils on their own, and some with the whole congregation joining in. Scripture portions were read by selected children and finally the minister presented each pupil with a gift token. That this should be happening on the island of Harris, and on the Lord’s Day, is very surprising indeed and it shows how far the Church of Scotland has departed from Reformation principles, even in places where, until fairly recent times, some semblance of orthodoxy had been maintained. If ever the distinctive witness of our Church was necessary it is in this fearfully dark day when men take upon themselves to introduce into the public worship of God what He has not sanctioned in His holy Word, and the line of demarcation between the Church and the world has been all but obliterated.
The same Press and Journal newspaper that carried the story of the innovating minister also published what was called, “A Christmas message from the Moderator of the Free Church of Scotland.” We do not wish to do Mr MacLeod any injustice as he may have condemned Christmas observance in his “message” and it is possible that the newspaper might not have printed the full text. It is, however, perplexing, in this context, to read such statements as the following. “Christian festivity can bring happiness to many. . . . As Mary fondly looked on her babe what gladness she had in her heart. . . . He is the sole substance of Christian festivity. Apart from Him Christmas is unsubstantial and without real joy.” We fear the Free Church trumpet is now, also, giving an uncertain sound. This is not what we would expect from the Church claiming to be the Reformation of Scotland.
Another claimant to this distinction is, of course, the APCs. The hollowness of that claim becomes more evident by the day. The APC congregation in Lochcarron did not hold a watchnight service, at least not at midnight. However, the minister there thought the 25th December was an appropriate day to administer the Lord’s Supper! Not to be outdone the Aberdeen APCs were also reported to be taking part in Christmas activities. An advertisement in “SCOT-ADS” under “Religious Notices” informs readers that a “Christmas Eve service for all the family” was to be held in Stockethill Church, “led by friends from the Associated Presbyterian Church.” It was to be at 7 pm and “mince pies, tea and juice” were to be served after the service. These are the people who claim to be the true Free Presbyterian Church of Scotland and on the strength of that claim continue illegally to occupy our churches and manses. Whatever has happened to the God-fearing in the APCs, who not so long ago were of one mind with us, but who now appear to be complacent and content within a body which tolerates and condones such departures from true Presbyterian and scriptural practice? Great indeed is our need of an outpouring of the Spirit of God! J. McL.