Lisburn clergy carrying the cross for the annual walk of witness through the city last Easter

MARK RAINEY. News Letter. Belfast. Saturday, April 8, 2017

A Church of Ireland minister in Co Antrim has refused to take part in an annual Easter

procession because of theological differences with the Roman Catholic Church. The cross-

community carrying of the cross ‘Walk of Witness’ in Lisburn is a popular event on the Christian

calendar, bringing together representatives of main churches, as well as local missions, for the

public act of worship on Good Friday. Despite the walk’s widespread appeal, the new rector of

Lambeg, Rev Eddie Coulter, has broken with parish tradition by refusing to take part due to

“deeply held theological disagreements” with the teaching of the Catholic Church. Rev Coulter –

who grew up in Lisburn but has served as a minister in Dublin, Ballymena, Knockbreda,

Armagh, and Upper Falls in Belfast – told the News Letter that he has “stood shoulder to

shoulder” with Catholic neighbors during troubled times, but could not participate in joint

worship. “I decided not to participate in this year’s March of Witness in Lambeg on Good Friday

morning because I have deeply held theological disagreements with Roman Catholic teaching

about the cross, so do not feel able to share a common witness in this context,” he said. In a

statement issued to the News Letter, he said: “In this 500th year of the anniversary of the

Reformation and drawing on the 39 Articles of Religion, I feel that it is important to uphold the

Gospel of grace alone through Christ alone, for the spiritual welfare and benefit of all people.”

Rev. Coulter, who was installed as rector of Lambeg in October 2016, went on to say: “I have,

however, worked closely on social issues such as unemployment with Roman Catholic

churches in the past, as rector of Upper Falls, and I’ve stood shoulder to shoulder with Catholic

people during the Troubles and especially when as a rector near Portadown joining a rally to

protest against loyalist violence towards Catholic families. I, therefore, am happy to stand with

the Catholic Church and with Catholic people. Many are my friends and family.” Immediately

prior to joining Lambeg Parish, Rev. Coulter had been senior pastor of Immanuel Church in

Dublin and the superintendent of Irish Church Mission. The father of three is the son of a former

chief talent scout for Manchester United. One irate church member, who did not wish to be

named, contacted the News Letter to say the minister had effectively “banned” the congregation

from taking part in the walk, adding: “He told the church members they shouldn’t take part in it

as the Catholic church was involved. He doesn’t approve of events with the Catholic church. “A

lot of church members would go to the walk and the majority would be in favor of it.” Rev.

Coulter rejected the claim, saying that while he “wasn’t encouraging” the walk, he made it clear

to his congregation that they were “free to make up their own mind and follow their conscience.”