Concern over euthanasia on agenda as church leaders gather for Presbyterian General Assembly in Belfast

Rt Rev Dr Sam Mawhinney was addressing hundreds of ministers and church elders representing more than 500 congregations.

The General Assembly is the PCI’s principal governing and decision-making body and the church's highest court, and the resolutions passed can set the direction for the life and ministry of the church over the coming year and beyond.

The assembly began on Thursday morning and will conclude on Saturday.

In his opening address, Rev Mawhinney acknowledged that we now live in a “post-Christian society”.

However, he said: "I have been so encouraged to see that our church has held to the truth of the Gospel, defends the wisdom of the Lord Jesus in marriage, in the sanctity of life at its beginning and its end, speaking clearly in this public square, and in her day to day and week to week activities, demonstrates the truth of His word by the quality of leadership, fellowship and service.”

Rev Mawhinney went on to say: “As individuals and society walk in a different direction to the word of God, it doesn’t lead by the way, to Utopia and freedom as they believe it will, but eventually to disappointment, sadness, to brokenness and despair – trapped in a spiral of ever-increasing darkness.

"The world can be a bleak and dark place, of wars, abuse – online and in person – sickness and death.

"The legacy of the Troubles was brought into my consciousness on the 30th anniversary of the Shankill Road bomb, and by my visit to the Presbytery of Omagh”.

One of the key resolutions being put forward on Thursday afternoon relates to moves towards legalising euthanasia in the Republic.

The resolution states, that the General Assembly: “Express deep concern about the recommendation from the Oireachtas Joint Committee to legislate for assisted suicide/euthanasia, which will create precedent in undermining human dignity and the sanctity of life”.

Another point of the resolution urges delegates to “encourage the Council for Public Affairs to engage proactively on this issue, promoting a compassionate and biblical response for the good of all in society across both jurisdictions.”

The moderator’s theme for the past year has been ‘Confidence in Christ’ – chosen to “encourage PCI, in their faith in Jesus Christ even though we live with the reality of being in a post-Christian society as increasingly witnessed in Ireland, north and south. I believe the theme has been appreciated and I am more confident in Christ at the end of my year, than when I began. I hope you are too.”

Rev Mawhinney added: “As the year progressed, I have tended to focus less on analysis and understanding of our culture which is important and necessary and instead have spoken more about the Lord Jesus and the benefits of faith in him, forgiveness of our sins, a personal relationship with our Holy God and hope in death of his presence forever.”

Rev Mawhinney’s final official act as moderator will be the installation of his successor, Rev Dr Richard Murray from Drumreagh Presbyterian Church, near Ballymena, on Friday afternoon.