17/08/2018
Presbyterian Church Leader To Attend State Reception For Pope
The head of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland, Reverend Charles McMullen, is to attend the State reception for Pope Francis in Dublin Castle next week.
The Presbyterian Moderator has accepted an invitation from the Irish Government to attend the event on Saturday, 25 August.
Dr McMullen will also be present, at the personal invitation of Archbishop Eamon Martin, Roman Catholic Archbishop of Armagh, at the 'Festival of Families' in Croke Park that evening, which Pope Francis will attend.
The Pope will arrive in the Republic of Ireland on Saturday for a two-day visit to the country.
Speaking from Jordan, where he is on a 10-day visit meeting church leaders, mission partner organisations and those working with them, Dr McMullen said that he was very much looking forward to attending both events and meeting Pope Francis.
"I am sure that many people, both in the Roman Catholic Church and outside of it, are excited and looking forward to the visit next week," he said.
"Back in March, at the time of the formal confirmation of the visit, as a Church we recognised that this would be something that would bring great joy to our Roman Catholic neighbours and friends and as such it was something that we wanted to welcome. The visit of Pope Francis to Ireland for the World Meeting of Families will greatly enhance the affirmation of the place of the family at the heart of society and that has to be a good thing.
"I am personally very pleased that our Church has been able to accept the invitation to the reception and I am looking forward to it. Should there be an opportunity to meet Pope Francis in Dublin Castle, I would also very much welcome that in the context of building good relations."
(LM/CM)
The Presbyterian Moderator has accepted an invitation from the Irish Government to attend the event on Saturday, 25 August.
Dr McMullen will also be present, at the personal invitation of Archbishop Eamon Martin, Roman Catholic Archbishop of Armagh, at the 'Festival of Families' in Croke Park that evening, which Pope Francis will attend.
The Pope will arrive in the Republic of Ireland on Saturday for a two-day visit to the country.
Speaking from Jordan, where he is on a 10-day visit meeting church leaders, mission partner organisations and those working with them, Dr McMullen said that he was very much looking forward to attending both events and meeting Pope Francis.
"I am sure that many people, both in the Roman Catholic Church and outside of it, are excited and looking forward to the visit next week," he said.
"Back in March, at the time of the formal confirmation of the visit, as a Church we recognised that this would be something that would bring great joy to our Roman Catholic neighbours and friends and as such it was something that we wanted to welcome. The visit of Pope Francis to Ireland for the World Meeting of Families will greatly enhance the affirmation of the place of the family at the heart of society and that has to be a good thing.
"I am personally very pleased that our Church has been able to accept the invitation to the reception and I am looking forward to it. Should there be an opportunity to meet Pope Francis in Dublin Castle, I would also very much welcome that in the context of building good relations."
(LM/CM)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:Mainly dry this morning with sunny spells then scattered showers breaking out this afternoon. A chilly start then feeling warmer in afternoon sunshine. Light southerly winds. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:Any showers at first soon dying out. Then dry overnight with clear periods and turning chilly with a touch of frost later tonight. Minimum temperature 1 °C.