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Dear friends,
 I was delighted with the way you the congregation responded for Come back to church Sunday. (20 September). It was evident that a number had made an effort to invite (even bring) others to church who presumably would not have been there otherwise. Even accounting for the friends and family of the new communicants, the congregation was substantially increased. I offer my thanks to those of you who made an effort in this regard.
As Christians of course we shouldn’t have to be cajoled into bringing others into contact with the gospel. As the Christian song says “as a fire is meant for burning with a bright and warming flame so the Church is meant for mission...”.
If the first disciples had been satisfied to keep the gospel good news to themselves or too lazy or afraid to share it there would have been no Christian church at all.
Keep up the good work!
Yours faithfully
D. Cameron McPherson
The Release of Al MegrahiThe following contribution has been sent to the newsletter by Bruce Archibald on the subject of the release of Al Megrahi which clearly articulates the opposite view to my own . The position taken by Bruce is in accord if not in detail certainly in substance with what is probably the majority (even “official”) view in the Church of Scotland. My response (on opposite page) should give assurance that my values and Bruce’s are by no means diametrically opposed even if our conclusions are.
The release of Mr. Al Megrahi on compassionate grounds by the Scottish Justice Secretary has obviously created great discussion and controversy in this country and worldwide. Even my wife and I have taken differing opinions. (What’s new?) Many points of view have been expressed in the media, both for and against, on the action taken on our behalf. It is obvious that the “ right” decision (if there were one) would have required the wisdom of Solomon.
Despite not having such wisdom, or a deep knowledge of Christian Theology, my own personal “gut” reaction is that, in this unique instance, the correct decision was taken, and although I have little sympathy for many SNP policies, I feel that Mr. Kenny McAskill showed a statesmanlike quality which few of our present political leaders have demonstrated.
I cannot think of one single positive benefit emanating from keeping a dying man in jail for a few more months. I can only see this as counterproductive. However, I can see many positive possibilities emerging from this touch of grace to a fellow sinner. Such possibilities are difficult to quantify or elucidate, but if there is a softening of attitudes somewhere in the world, or some token of human kindness resulting from this action, then this act of compassion will have been justified. We pray that persecuted Christians around the world can hope for a better tomorrow, and that their tormentors may stay their hand. Regretfully, the near hysterical outbursts from our friends across the seas would indicate that the mentality, that “might is right” will upset this unique moment in time. However, their outcries, and the continued publicity, may have the contrary effect of demonstrating and emphasising the magnanimity of the decision.
The cry for justice from the victim’s families is easy to understand, but we should guard against a sense of revenge or vengeance. ‘vengeance is mine’ says the Lord. This emotion of revenge is one which has plagued the human race since the dawn of mankind. It is so easy to go down the path of “tit for tat” in our reaction to evil. We have witnessed such behaviour throughout history including the Great Crusades, Northern Ireland, the Middle East conflicts, and many more, often the worst excesses being between family members, friends and neighbours.
It takes great courage to step away from “getting one’s own back” at all costs. Peace and goodwill between nations and peoples can only be achieved through dialogue, and that dialogue has not only to contain meaningful words, but more importantly, meaningful action.
By releasing Megrahi we have demonstrated to the world that, having pursued the criminals regardless of cost, that having seen justice done in his conviction, we have renounced the act of revenge on a dying man, and that we are willing to reach out to others no matter what their point of view or ideology. Mr. McAskill’ action is a direct challenge to those who prefer a more adversarial and confrontational approach and should be applauded for its audacity.
Minister’s responseWhile I accept that the Justice Minister acted courageously and out of principle; that many of those who oppose his decision have an unhealthy and unchristian desire for revenge and that some good may result from this action, none of these factors even all of them taken together are relevant as justification for the decision.
While I believe the Justice secretary’s decision was wrong nevertheless I readily acknowledge that it was based on sound Christian principles of compassion, kindness, mercy and grace as clearly articulated by Bruce. I am gratified that many people including the Justice Minister are moved by such principles. Why then in the light of this was I unhappy with the decision? Needless to say I fully endorse these principles and have preached them for nearly three decades. .
The problem is that while these principles are never entirely irrelevant in any area of life they are not directly transferable to that of law and order in society. I wish to stress that my objection is based on the very serious nature of the offence and not on any belief that compassion should never be brought to bear on the situation of a prisoner.
Punishment of offenders by the custodians of order and justice in society must not be confused with a sinful desire for revenge. The kind of grievances and attitudes of hatred which ignited the troubles in Northern Ireland and the Middle East are in no way to be equated with the due processes of justice rightfully applied to those who would threaten the peace and stability of society. While it is patently wrong for individuals to seek vengeance on their enemies it is right and proper for the governing authorities in a country to do so with regard to law breakers. The responsibility of the justice system extends far beyond individual lawbreakers to the whole of society and indeed the world.
While most of God’s vengeance is meted out independently of human agencies he has delegated a measure of his vengeance to those charged with the protection of innocent citizens and the keeping of good order. (see Rom. 13:4). This trust can of course be misapplied in either of two directions and while I would rather see it misapplied in the direction of leniency than of severity nevertheless misapplication in the former direction is not thereby justified. It is irresponsible for a justice system to deal too leniently with offenders because apart from anything else it compromises the security and peace of the whole population.
What good could come out of keeping a dying Megrahi in prison ? The question could be posed of almost any punishment of an offender “what good does it do?” The “good” that is envisaged had the decision been otherwise is that greater (God appointed) justice would be done and be seen to be done. That is justification enough and my argument is that justice has not been done or seen to be done by the release of Megrahi. Had the responsibility been in the hands of the victims families and they had taken this decision that would be entirely different.
When evildoers are punished legally and appropriately for breaking the laws of a country this is not against God’s will but in accordance with it. Even if our emotions are fired by good and godly attitudes and motives, to allow our feelings to ultimately determine our views is to be influenced by sentiment rather than informed by the word of God.
I have no wish to justify a spirit of revenge on the part of any individual only to point out that in principle (the practice in some instances may be questionable) justice pursued on the part of governing authorities is not revenge in a pejorative sense but is so in a legitimate sense and is an important contributing factor in the establishing of peace and security.
NEW MEMBERS
By Profession of FaithOn 20 September
Bob Clark
Claire Walker
Andrew White
Paula White
By Transference Certificate
Mrs. Elizabeth Lawson from Kirk O’Shotts
DEATHS24 Aug. George Bell
28 Aug. Jean Helsdon
6 Sept. Mamie Lawrie
All the above were members of Dalserf Church
BAPTISMS
5th September
Andrew White (by immersion at Duneaton Water, Crawfordjohn)
Paula White (by sprinkling at Duneaton Water)
DUNKELD CATHEDRAL
FOCUS TRIP 3 SEPTEMBER
Sadie found her niche
Imagine carrying around a bunch of keys that size!
CONGRATULATIONS
To Robert and Rosemay Clarkson who celebrated their Silver Wedding Anniversary on 6 September.
Elders Rota
October
04 R Fairley, A. Carson, A. Brown, M. Letham, E. Budgell
11 I. Kennedy, R. Clarkson, W. Callan, l. Eathorne, H. Brady, G. Stewart
18 D. Manson, J. Grove, J. Macfarlane, B. Archibald, K. Blair, J. Pollok
25 R Fairley, A. Carson, A. Brown, M. Letham, E. Budgell
November
01 I. Kennedy, R. Clarkson, W. Callan, l. Eathorne, H. Brady, G. Stewart
Flower Rota
October
04 Mrs. Knox,
11 Mrs. Murray
18
25 Mrs. I.McLean, Larkhall
November
01 Mrs. Tenant
Creche Rota
October
4 HARVEST
11 Mrs. Price & Miss Rodger
18 Miss Hoey & Miss Hume
25 Mrs. Budgell & Mrs Blair
November
01 Mrs. Gilchrist & Mrs. Pollok
Coffee/Tea Rota
October
04 HARVEST LUNCH
11 Mr. & Mrs. McPhee
18 Mr. & Mrs. Harvey
25 Mrs. Blair & Mrs. Budgeli
November
01 Mrs. McPherson & Mrs. Jones
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