Letter: Pope unwelcome

On behalf of the Free Presbyterian Church of Ulster, and its congregations in Scotland, we wish to express our dismay and dissent that Pope Benedict XVI is being afforded a state visit to the UK.

Many citizens are justifiably dismayed that the government, in a time of financial restraint, is spending so much of its taxpayers' money on this visit. Others deplore the constitutional and moral issues involved in welcoming the head of the Vatican State to this country.

Recent events have revealed the deplorable cover-up by the Roman Catholic hierarchy of the systematic abuse of innocent children by priests.

The Free Presbyterian Church's opposition is based primarily on biblical and spiritual convictions. Our opposition is not on grounds of blind sectarianism; it is not the product of an innate hatred of all things Roman Catholic.

However, it is extremely offensive that Joseph Ratzinger, Benedict XV1 is frequently styled "Holy Father", "Supreme Pontiff" and "Vicar of Christ". Such titles are at variance with scripture, are arrogant and spurious, and historically have been viewed as blasphemous by Protestant churches because they usurp titles that belong to Our Blessed Lord and Only Saviour.

We recognise no head of the Church but Christ Jesus.

The Roman Catholic Church has claimed that "he comes primarily as a visitor to all the people of the UK, not just those who are Catholics". In light of this claim and the statements above, his visit cannot be construed as simply pastoral. We wish publicly to disassociate ourselves from any welcome given to him.

Further, the timing of his visit is ironic and insensitive. This year marks the 450th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation in Scotland when, in August of 1560, the then Scottish Parliament declared itself free from Papal domination. We wonder what plans the government has put in place to commemorate the Reformation in Scotland and the blessings it brought to our nation.

(Rev) Wesley Irwin

King Street

Glasgow