Last updated: 11 August 2010

QUOTE OF THE WEEK....

"The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. " - Psalm 14:1

CALEB RESPONDS TO DUP PAPER ON FAITH GROUPS

The Caleb Foundation and the Evangelical Protestant Society have submitted a joint response to the Democratic Unionist Party consultation paper "Empowering Faith Groups to Benefit Communities". Our full response can be viewed by clicking on the sub menu on the left. The DUP paper can be viewed at www.dup.org.uk

MONK-EY BUSINESS IN

 HEALTH TRUST!

Sammy Wilson has, quite rightly, lambasted the Northern Health and Social Care Trust for wasting resources by holding staff 'happy and content' sessions with a Buddhist monk. Apart from the crucial financial issue, this bizarre decision gives rise to a number of other concerns. Why, for example, did the Trust choose to employ the services of a Buddhist? Surely this conflicts with equality legislation and protocols.  If a Buddhist is to be involved, then, in the interests of equality and parity of esteem, similar sessions should be conducted by representatives of all the Protestant denominations, the Roman Catholic Church, Hinduism, Islam, etc. Such an arrangement would, of course, be absurd, but it serves to illustrate the total unacceptability, on grounds both of principle and financial probity, of the Trust's decision in the first place. It is also interesting to note that in the obsession with creating and maintaining a politically correct "neutral working environment" in today's society, a Christian nurse (in England) can be disciplined for praying with her patients while, at the same time, the Northern Trust deem it appropriate to employ the services of a Buddhist monk. 

 

CALEB FOUNDATION RESPONSE THE LICENSING AND REGISTRATION OF CLUBS (AMENDMENT) BILL

The Caleb Foundation has responded briefly, as follows, to the Committee of Social Development's request for view on this Bill.

"We remain concerned about the negative impact of alcohol on society and family life, but we are encouraged that, in general terms, the Bill seems to chart a more sensible way forward than that envisaged in the consultation exercise conducted in 2005. 

We welcome the introduction of new powers for the PSNI and the courts (in clauses 1 and 5), a penalty points system (clauses 2 and 6) and the statutory proof of age scheme (clauses 3 and 7).

Although we feel that the main problem in relation to alcohol is its easy availability for purchase at a low price from various retailers, it is incumbent upon all to do whatever they can to control the sale of alcohol. We are therefore concerned about the proposals in clause 9 to increase the number of late licences for registered clubs from 52 to 120 per year. We further note that a number of occasions may be included on the one application. Would it therefore be possible for a club owner, in one application, to apply, say, to remain open until midnight on every Sunday in a particular year?  We would favour tighter controls and greater clarity in this area.

We will watch the progress of this legislation through the Assembly, and its subsequent implementation and enforcement, with interest. We also note that it is part of a broader process of reform". 

STRANGE VISITORS TO CALEB!

Our many friends and supporters might be interested to note the recent spate of attacks upon the Foundation in the bizarre postings which have appeared in our Caleb Forum. We certainly seem to have hit a few raw nerves in our campaign for equality. At least it shows that our opponents consider our site worthy of regular visits!

It also reminds just how intolerant, irrational and unreasonable those opponents can sometimes be. They appear to take umbrage at our totally reasonable desire to encourage rational scientific debate on the vital data on the origins of life and of the universe. Of course, this should not surprise us. After all, the revival of scientific debate and research which accompanied the Protestant Reformation also met with similar resistance from the Church of Rome, whose persecution of Galileo is a matter of historical record.  

The Caleb Foundation has campaigned on these issues not for debate's sake but in order to highlight the need to broaden the scientific data that is made available to the public. 

We want to assure all of our friends that we fully intend to concentrate on the promotion of our broader agenda and not allow ourselves to be distracted by the narrow-minded intransigence, philosophical prejudice and anti-science stance of others.

We also wish to make it clear that  posts which use foul or abusive language WILL BE REMOVED.  

 

ST GEORGE'S MARKET TO OPEN ON SUNDAY

Belfast City Council has voted by 28 votes to 13 to allow St George's market to open on a Sunday (for a trial period from June to September).  This move, which has been warmly welcomed by those whose god is money and who have no respect for either the Word of God or the rights of workers, is a further step along the way towards the total rejection of Biblical values in our society. Our Province in fast losing its way. We face open rebellion against God and his Word, and widespread intolerance towards those who hold to Biblical principles.

CALEB PLATFORM PIECE - NEWS LETTER - 27 May 2010  

In drawing attention to the Ulster Museum's displays on the origins of life, Nelson McCausland was only doing what any minister ought to do given the executive's commitment to equality, argues DAVID McCONAGHIE 

The news item regarding the Minister for Culture, Arts and Leisure and his letter to the Ulster Museum brought a number of very important matters to the attention of the general public.

In drawing the attention of the Museum to its displays relating to the origins and development of life, the formation of the universe and the age of all things the Minister was only doing what was right and what any NI Assembly Minister ought to do given the Province's equality environment and the Executive's commitment to a shred future. 

When the Caleb Foundation met with the Minister we discussed concerns that we had regarding the imbalance that is all too evident at the Ulster Museum. Imbalance and philosophical prejudice is on public display at the Museum.

The fact is that when we consider the origin of the universe and the origin and development of life on earth, science is not settled. There is data. There are artefacts. There are scientific laws. There is a majority scientific opinion that explains these things in terms of an ancient universe and gradual step by step evolution from primitive and simpler life to more complex and advanced life. 

But there is also a minority scientific opinion - to be found in working scientists, college science lecturers etc who come to different conclusions, pointing instead to a much younger earth.

That debate still continues. The Ulster Museum has by its displays adjudicated on this debate and has thereby withheld from the public that debate.

Another outcome of that failure on the part of the Ulster Museum is made inevitable by this. It is an accompanying failure to properly reflect any concept of a shared future or equality. Many people seem to believe that equality is for themselves alone. They simply cannot imagine that it could ever extend to those awful evangelicals. 

This too is a prejudice that is deeply ingrained in many supposed liberals and one that they cannot imagine living without. The fact remains however that equality means precisely that. Ingrained, institutionalised prejudice about, intolerance towards and discrimination against evangelical Christians will not be the one form of prejudice, intolerance and discrimination that is facilitated endures in Northern Ireland, however dearly some might cling to it.

The Minister has acted entirely correctly in this matter. He has acted as any Minister with an interest in and commitment to a shared future would be expected to act. The real negative story is that there are still so many people opposed to change and opposed to real and meaningful equality.

Such illiberal liberalism! Such intolerant tolerance! Now there is a real subject for a cub reporter to get their teeth into. 

David McConaghie is a member of Executive Council of the NI based Caleb Foundation, an evangelical umbrella group that campaigns on equality issues.

 

STATEMENT FROM THE CALEB FOUNDATION ON THE ULSTER MUSEUM (26 May 2010)

The Caleb Foundation warmly welcomes Culture Minister, Nelson McCausland's request to museums to give more prominence to alternative views on the origins of the universe.

We fully accept that the theory of evolution is the view of the majority of scientists, but it is important to note that evolution is a theory and not a fact. A visit to the Ulster Museum would not give that impression. Indeed, the very clear assertion is made across the entire "Nature Zone", that evolution is a fact. This, presumably quite deliberate, error is further compounded by the complete absence of even the merest mention of any other theory of origins such as the Biblical account of creation, for which there is strong scientific evidence.  

If Northern Ireland is to move towards a shared future on a genuine basis of equality and inclusivity, then it is only right that a publicly funded institution such as the Ulster Museum is fully and sensitively reflective of the various views of society as a whole - including those of evangelical Christians.  

We wrote to Mr McCausland and Mr Tim Cooke, Chief Executive, National Museums Northern Ireland about this matter some weeks ago, and we are very pleased that Mr McCausland has responded in such a positive way. National Museums Northern Ireland must now respond to Mr McCausland's request in a similarly positive manner.

 

CALEB SPEARHEADS CAMPAIGN FOR EQUALITY IN ULSTER MUSEUM

Two recent fact-finding missions to the newly refurbished Ulster Museum by members of the Caleb Foundation Council of Reference confirmed our worst fears about the open promotion of evolution as a fact and the complete absence of any reference to Biblical creationism.

In light of this, and following a meeting with the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure, Mr Nelson McCausland MLA,  the Foundation's Secretary wrote to him and also Mr Tim Cooke, Chief Executive of the National Museums of Northern Ireland, which runs the Ulster Museum. The letters are set out below.

The Foundation is also encouraging Christians across Northern Ireland to write to both Mr McCausland and NMNI, and we attach on a separate page on this site a list of our key findings from the time we spent in the Museum's 'Nature Zone'.  You can deploy some of these in any letter you write.

The Museum is a publicly funded body, but it stands condemned as having failed to even make any effort to fulfil its equality obligations. Further, it is peddling theory as fact.

Please pray for us and support us in this ongoing campaign.

Letter to Nelson McCausland, Culture Minister:

Dear Minister

When the Caleb Foundation met with you a few weeks ago, we undertook to provide you with our considered opinion about the way in which the newly re-furbished Ulster Museum has dealt, in its Nature Section, with the sensitive issue of the origins of the universe, the earth and human life. 

We have taken the time to carefully assess the various exhibits and I have to say that we were absolutely appalled by what we witnessed.

We fully accept that the theory of evolution, in a variety of manifestations, is the view of the majority of scientists. However, there are differences of opinion even within that majority position, and it is important to note that evolution is a theory and not a fact. A visit to the Ulster Museum would not give that impression. Indeed, the very clear assertion is made across the entire "Nature Zone", that evolution is a fact. This gross and arrogant falsehood is further compounded by the complete absence of even the merest mention of any other theory of origins such as the Biblical account of creation.  

 By way of example, I would cite the following quotes in the exhibits -

"Evolution is a fact, based on changes seen in fossils and in living things today".

"Every living thing on earth owes its existence to the elements and compounds found in the original mixture of dust and ice from which the Solar System was formed"

"Most plants and animal species that ever lived on earth are extinct, thanks to evolution".

"By 380 million years ago, animals with jaws, lungs and four limbs had evolved. These early four-legged amphibians are the ancestors of many animals alive today, from newts to humans".

As a result of this wholly misleading propaganda- and there are numerous other similar examples - those who visit the Nature Zone, including impressionable children, will be seriously misled and misinformed. This is hardly a sound basis upon which any respectable museum should operate, and especially one which is publicly funded!

As tax payers and Christians, we are very concerned about this fundamental lack of balance and impartiality. We would therefore be interested to know to what extent, if any, the activities of National Museums Northern Ireland, and, in particular, the Ulster Museum, have been assessed against the statutory requirements of section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998.

 I would be grateful if you would give this matter your attention and we look forward to hearing from you.

 We are also writing along similar lines to the National Museums Northern Ireland.

 

 Letter to Tim Cooke, National Museums of NI:

Dear Mr Cooke 

I am writing on behalf of the Council of Reference of the Caleb Foundation, an umbrella organisation which represents the views of thousands of evangelical Christians and Churches outside "the four main churches".

The re-opening of the Ulster Museum after its extensive modernisation and refurbishment was widely welcomed across Northern Ireland and beyond. As you state in your website, it has been the most talked about new experience in Northern Ireland. As well as housing many important treasures, the Ulster Museum in itself is a national treasure.

In that context, and as your site also says, it is important that the Museum has full public support. I am sure you will agree with me that such support cannot be taken for granted and that, as in any other area of public life, it has to be earned. It is, therefore, crucial that the Museum is transparently balanced and impartial in its approach.

This, however, is not the case in some sections of the new Museum. We have taken our time to assess the substantial Nature Zone, and I have to say that we were utterly appalled at the total absence of even a pretence of balance or impartiality in the handling of the sensitive issue of the origins of the universe, the earth and human life. 

We fully accept that the theory of evolution, in a variety of manifestations, is the view of the majority of scientists. However, there are differences of opinion even within that majority position, and it is important to note that evolution is a theory and not a fact. A visit to the Ulster Museum would not give that impression. Indeed, the very clear statement is made that "evolution is a fact".

Visitors, including impressionable school-children, are subjected to a whole series of sweeping assumptions all presented as facts. For example, we are told that "Two billion years ago the only life on earth was microscopic bacteria and blue-green algae", that "the first mammals evolved around 230 million years ago" and that man is related to sponges, sea squid and bacteria, and newts.

Now, we fully accept that these are legitimately held views, but, unless they can be scientifically proven, they are not facts and should not be presented as such. In addition, space should be given within the Nature Zone to the proper presentation of other, equally legitimate, theories such as the Biblical account of creation.

As tax payers and Christians, we are very concerned about this fundamental lack of balance. It is highly presumptuous of your organisation to call for public support when it has singularly failed to act in a manner designed to maximise that support. Indeed, it has acted in a manner which has alienated a significant section of the community, and I trust you will agree that this is unacceptable.

We have written to the Minister for Culture, Arts and Leisure, Nelson McCausland MLA, to ascertain the extent to which, if any, the activities of National Museums Northern Ireland, and, in particular, the Ulster Museum, have been assessed against the statutory requirements of section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998.

We would be interested in your response to our concerns and would be happy to meet with you if that would be helpful.

A copy of this letter goes to Mr McCausland.

 

CALEB DELEGATION MEETS BBC Belfast

Wednesday 25th November 2009

A Caleb delegation met with BBC Radio Ulster this morning to raise a number of issues of importance to the Evangelical Community.  The delegation discussed the forthcoming anniversary of the AV, and the recent contributors to Thought for the day.  We strongly expressed our disappointment at the attitude of Sunday Sequence in relation to presenting discussions with evangelical contributors, and a perceived pro-homosexual and anti-Creation bias.

CALEB DELEGATION MEETS MINISTER SAMMY WILSON

Thursday 12th November 2009.

A delegation from the Caleb Foundation, representing a number of churches, met with the Minister foir Finance and Personnel, Mr Sammy Wilson, MP, MLA, to discuss the Dormant Accounts Scheme.  The delegation specifically discussed the plight of evangelical churches who were disadvantaged in obtaining funding, because the ethos of biblical Christianity excludes seeking money fron the National Lottery, - sourced from gambling.  It was suggested to the minister that the Dormant Accounts Scheme might be way for the government to address this discrimination in funding.

Mr Wilson listened carefully to the point of view expressed by the delegation, and promised to give the matters raised some consideration.

 

CALEB "OPINION" PIECE IN THE NEWS LETTER Mon 12 October 2009

A Stormont motion calling on Culture Minister Nelson McCausland to withdraw his statement that he will not attend a service in a Roman Catholic Church is a sinister attack on Evangelical Christians, says DAVID McCONAGHIE from The Caleb Foundation.

IMAGINE if one of the parties in the Northern Ireland Assembly and Executive tabled a motion for debate where they claimed that some of the core, basic, tenets of the Jewish religion were toxic, injurious to good community relations, or detrimental to the good of society.

Imagine if they tabled a similar motion about Islam. Suppose they included in that motion a claim that those who held to such beliefs rendered themselves unfit for public office. What would be the reaction?

They would be pilloried right across society. The Community Relations Council would issue dire warnings about such intolerance. The Human Rights Commission would immediately denounce it. The Equality Commission would get into a state of extreme agitation at the suggestion a person's religion should disqualify them in that way. The BBC would go into meltdown - The Nolan Show would bang the table; Talkback would throb with indignation; Sunday Sequence would give those responsible a stern and public grilling, demanding that they justify their extreme prejudice.

But something dangerously similar will take place today at the Assembly. The following motion, tabled by three Sinn Fein MLAs, will be debated:

"That this Assembly calls on the Minister of Culture Arts and Leisure to withdraw his statement that he will 'not attend a service in a Catholic Church'; further calls on the minister to recognise that such a refusal to attend a Catholic Church service from an Executive Minister has no place in an inclusive society, and that as an Executive Minister he has a duty to serve, respect and engage with all sections of society regardless of their religious background."

The general implication and intent of this sinister motion could not be clearer. It is that if you are a mainstream Evangelical Christian - one who holds to traditional evangelical beliefs and core values - and in consequence you remain apart from the ecumenical movement, you are deemed unable, because of your faith, to serve, respect and engage with all sections of society, and thus unfit to hold certain jobs.

The motion's wording is explicit and clear. To Sinn Fein, evangelical beliefs and those who hold them have "no place in an inclusive society". To them, "inclusion", it seems, is for everyone except mainstream Evangelical Christians.

This raises many serious questions for many people.

Why can one community and one faith group be attacked like this with impunity? Why, after all these years and expending many millions of pounds of public money, has the Community Relations Council so signally failed to achieve any level of understanding of, or tolerance towards, the mainstream Evangelical Christian community, and how does it intend to address this glaring and dangerous gap? Why has there been not a single word of complaint from the Human Rights Commission defending the right to freedom of conscience and religion? Why the total silence from the Equality Commission instead of a robust defence of a person's right to hold to their faith without that turning them into undesirables?

Why is institutionalised intolerance unacceptable against every community with one exception? Why is it that every community can expect to be defended by the CRC, NIHRC and Equality Commission, etc with one exception?

Today at the Assembly, for the first time, an entire community, as represented by the Culture Minister, are to be the subject of political debate in which their adherence to their faith is regarded as the determining factor that makes them a poisonous people.

The time has come for the defenders of human rights in our Province to respond to such a sinister development. Why the silence?

Caleb Appoints New Chairman

The Council of Reference of the evangelical pressure group, the Caleb Foundation, has elected Mr Wallace Thompson as its new chairman. Since the untimely passing of Caleb's founding chairman, Mr George Dawson MLA, in May 2007, Rev William Park had fulfilled the role of acting chairman with the support of a steering group.  Mr Thompson has been treasurer of Caleb since the organisation was founded in 1998.

A history graduate and former career civil servant, Mr Thompson was special adviser to DUP Minister, Mr Nigel Dodds MP MLA, from May 2007 until June 2009. Married with three grown up children, he is also secretary of the Evangelical Protestant Society and editor of its magazine, the Ulster Bulwark.

Mr Thompson has a wealth of experience in public administration, politics and media, and is well-respected as an articulate and able campaigner for the evangelical Protestant cause.

Speaking after his election, Mr Thompson said:

"I feel honoured and privileged to have been appointed chairman of the Caleb Foundation, and I wish to pay tribute to Rev William Park for all his work on behalf of Caleb since the untimely passing of our esteemed friend and colleague, George Dawson.

"There is much work for us to do. Even in the two years since George's passing, Ulster society has become increasingly secular, and opposition to the historic evangelical faith is more open, militant and vocal. In that sense, our cause is probably more marginalized than ever, but it is vital that we do not shrink from the challenge. As believers, we are called upon to earnestly contend for the faith, no matter what the prevailing circumstances are or how we will be regarded. That is what the Caleb Foundation was established to do, and, by the grace of God, we will now do with renewed vigour and determination.

"We intend to lobby government and media as intensively as we can in coming weeks on a range of issues, and we have already sought meetings with three Executive Ministers at Stormont.

"I am also keen to increase our profile among, and communication with, the various Protestant denominations, congregations and organizations that are associated with Caleb, and to offer encouragement to them in these days. I will be looking at ways in which this can be done".

The Caleb Foundation was established in October 1998 to bring together a range of evangelicals and to promote the fundamentals of the historic evangelical Protestant faith.

It encourages evangelical co-operation in order to promote a moral and social framework in our society based on Christian principles and ideals. Its methods include lobbying, education, and the promotion of debate and discussion across the community.

The Foundation's officers report to the Council of Reference which meets in plenary session several times a year.

Parades Commission Chariman Biased on Gay Pride.

Rena Shepherd has only been chair of the Northern Ireland Parades Commission for a few weeks and already she has openly displayed a bias which casts serious doubt over her suitability for this office.  In announcing that the Commission would place no restrictions on the Gay Pride parade planned for Belfast city centre on 1 August, Ms Shepherd said that the Commission respected the views of those who are organising the Pride parade and those who wish to express their opposition. Fair enough. But, significantly, she went on to say that is was "very clear" that the Belfast Pride parade was a "welcome addition to the city and it is a colourful and positive celebration of all lifestyles which co-exist in Belfast". In other words, whilst she might say that she respects both sides, it is clear that she has greater respect for one viewpoint than the other.  She is openly supporting a parade which many people regard as highly offensive.  Imagine the outcry if Ms Shepherd or any other member of the Parades Commission were to make similar positive comments about a parade by the loyal orders.  Ms Shepherd has failed to act in an impartial manner and, in one fell stroke, she has completely lost any confidence the evangelical community might have had in her. The Caleb Foundation calls upon her to unreservedly apologise for her subjective and offensive comments, and if she does not do so, then she must resign or be removed.

  

Statement by the Council of Reference on

Caleb and Stormont Power-Sharing 

From time to time, the question of the stance of the Caleb Foundation towards the present power-sharing arrangements at Stormont has been raised, both enquiringly and critically.

While many individual members of the Council of Caleb Foundation have decided views on this subject (and these would vary one from another), Caleb as an organisation does not. The reason for this is that the purpose of Caleb is not to comment on who occupies positions of government and whether or not they should do so. Rather, its purpose is to lobby the powers that be, whoever they may be, on matters of policy which relate to Biblical doctrine and ethics and which are of concern to all evangelical Christians. It seeks to ensure that the convictions of the evangelical community are represented to the relevant political bodies. 

 PO Box 211

NEWTOWNARDS,

Co. DOWN,

BT22 2WZ