Since the last publication of these notes, the Moderator of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland, the Rt Rev Dr Frank Sellar, added his voice to many, deploring the recent tragic shootings in Orlando.
Dr Sellar said: “It is heart-breaking for families to lose their loved ones in such a tragic and unnecessary way. In the fallen world in which we live, Orlando has joined Paris, Ankara, Baghdad and Brussels as the latest place to experience an evil act of terrorism.
“In offering my condolences on behalf of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland, I pray for those who have been bereaved and that they would know God’s peace and comfort at this time of terrible loss.
“May this unspeakable act renew our resolve to pray for governments and all those engaged in working to end violence across the world, including those places where such acts so often go unreported.”
In other news, at its recent General Assembly, the Presbyterian Church in Ireland welcomed the opportunity to expand its services for people with a learning disability by adding to its services Peacehaven Trust’s three residential properties for adults with a learning disability in Greystones, Co Wicklow. The Church already provides services for people with a learning disability in the North, which includes residential respite care, day care and supported living schemes, and this latest initiative increases the denomination’s care nationally.
Lindsay Conway, Director and Secretary to PCI’s Council for Social Witness, which has overall management responsibility for these and other services, said: “The Council has wide-ranging experience of working with adults with a learning disability and is delighted to add Peacehaven in Greystones to its residential care, day care and supported living schemes. We are also pleased that this will enable us to expand our witness in the Republic of Ireland.
“We look forward in the weeks ahead to developing our relationships with the 16 residents, staff and family members in Greystones. At the same time, we would also want to acknowledge the Christian work undertaken in the past by the members, the Board and the staff of Peacehaven Trust.”
Geoffrey Hanan, Acting Chair and Director of Peacehaven Trust Limited, said that Peacehaven has a clear vision and passion of empowering adults with a range of disabilities and appropriate support to live independent lives within their community.
“With a view to ensuring the continued and enhanced delivery of Peacehaven’s services to residents, present and future, I am absolutely delighted that we are consolidating our activities into those of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland’s Council for Social Witness.
“PCI shares, and I am confident will protect, our Christian ethos and values which will continue, according to God’s Will, to shape everything we do for the people we support, our staff and all other stakeholders. As always, God’s timing has been perfect.”
Mr Hanan added: “Delivering the best possible service for the people we support, maintaining employment and continuing to work to His Glory with all stakeholders, are key priorities for Peacehaven.”