02 June 2009

Presbyterian Assembly Twice Picketed Over Church 'Betrayal'

The virtually unprecedented sight of protesters at a church annual meeting yesterday is set to be repeated later today.

More than 100 savers with the troubled Presbyterian Mutual Society (PMS) held their peaceful protest as Presbyterian church leaders gathered for the organisation's annual assembly in Belfast yesterday.

They came with placards and banners to express their feelings of "betrayal" and were pleading for the Church to take practical steps to help them.

The issue is to receive an official debate this afternoon, at 4pm, when the protesters are set to return.

PMS savers handed out leaflets to the hundreds of people who had come to attend the opening of the assembly and see the church's leadership passed to the new moderator.

Banners carried message such as "Betrayed by 'caring' church" and "Gordon Brown thinks no UK person has lost their savings".

Former Moderator Rev John Dunlop was shocked by the scenes.

"I never thought the day would come when Presbyterians would be demonstrating against Presbyterians," he said. "I hope the Secretary of State will see this and step in to address the problems. The church did not cause this to happen and nor does it have the means to solve it."

Outgoing Moderator Rev Dr Donald Patton debated with several protesters, as well.

Meanwhile, the First Minister, Peter Robinson has won agreement with the Prime Minister, Gordon Brown, to hold a meeting on the issue later this month.

Mr Robinson and fellow politicians from across the political spectrum in NI are united in their support of the savers hit by the failed 'mutual'.

(BMcC)