The rector of Drumcree Parish Church has appealed for calm, prayer and unity as tensions rise in Portadown over recent events surrounding the long-running Drumcree dispute.
In a pastoral statement issued to parishioners, Reverend Gary Galway said he was “aware that tensions are running high” and that people hold sharply differing views on what has unfolded “outside the four walls of the church”.
Rev Galway revealed he has personally received hundreds of emails, text messages and phone calls in recent days, “a high majority of which have been extremely nasty to say the least”.
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He expressed particular concern about the role of online debate in inflaming the situation, warning that social media has become “a platform for individuals to express themselves without restraint, or the integrity of a face to face civil discussion”.
“People can also interpret or ‘twist’ what they read to suit a particular agenda or mindset,” he added, urging people not to rush to judgment.
“This is not a time for ‘knee jerk’ reactions as we and I try to be obedient to what God is calling the church to be,” he said.
Rev Galway reminded parishioners of Drumcree’s mission and vision statements – “Showing and sharing God’s love, in order to transform lives” and “Belong, Believe, Become… a light to all” – saying these are “all the more important and key in these days”.
Quoting from a recent intervention by the Archbishop, he stressed the Christian call to respond with grace even in times of deep disagreement.
“As disciples of Jesus, our golden rule calls us to turn the other cheek, to go the extra mile and ultimately, to ensure that love of God and neighbour is the core values that determines all our actions and decisions,” he said.
The rector urged local Christians to ask themselves how they can “implement what God is calling us to be and do” in the present circumstances, arguing that the answer begins “on our knees, seeking the Lord and his direction”.
He said he had been “encouraged by the diversity of churches” that have joined services in Drumcree this week to worship and pray “for this town and our community”, pointing to the biblical promise that “where there is unity, God commands a blessing”.
Addressing believers directly, Rev Galway said this was “not a time for apathy or complacency” and called on them to immerse themselves in scripture and prayer.
“I urge you to spend time reading His Word, seeking His face and be open to His prompting and guiding, then take the next step of faith… obedience into what He is calling you to be and do,” he concluded.
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