NO POPE HERE! 

Now that plans seem to be advancing for the Pope to visit Northern Ireland next year, we must make it clear once again that the evangelical Protestant people of Ulster are resolutely opposed to any such visit.  in view of our commitment to civil and religious liberty for all, we would very much wish to be neutral about a visit by the head of a particular religion to the members of his flock who live in Northern Ireland.  Unfortunately it is not as simple as that. The Pope makes very significant spiritual and temporal claims about himself and his church. He regards himself as Father of princes and kings, Ruler of the world, and Vicar (or substitute) of the Lord Jesus Christ. The present Pope has also reasserted his church's claim to be the only true church. In the face of such arrogant claims, it is essential that the voice of evangelical Protestantism is heard loudly and clearly.  We call on all Protestant politicians, churches and organisations, including the Loyal Orders, to unite in opposition to a papal visit, and we will be doing all we can to continue to encourage and develop such united opposition.  We will also work closely with our Protestant brethren on the mainland.