The Moderator, the Right Rev Dr Trevor Morrow, comments: "There is nothing novel or surprising in the recent statement Dominus Jesus (The Lord Jesus) from the Vatican. This is the classic position of the Roman Catholic Church. It is consistent with their own self-understanding. If one believes that one is the `Mother Church' then other Christian communities may manifest the presence of Christ but the churches of the Reformation cannot be sister churches."
The classic position of the Presbyterian Church is that there is only one king and head of the Church, the Lord Jesus Christ. The Roman Catholic Church is therefore a Christian Church in error, whose understanding of the church, of authority, of the Eucharist, and in many other areas is defective.
Morrow affirms that each faith community holds its "truth" with conviction. The manner in which it is done is important. All churches ought to be more self-critical, open to reformation, engage in dialogue because of disagreement and in the context of differences show love for one another as Christ loved all.
The Youth Board of the Church, in partnership with the Union Theological College, Belfast, is offering an exciting course in Youth Ministry for anyone involved in church-based youth work. The Certificate in Youth Ministry commences on September 26th and continues for a 12-week period, requiring a weekly commitment of just two hours from the participants.
This will be the second year of the course, which in its first year was heavily over-subscribed. Consequently, double the number of places are available, with this year's course being offered in two locations - one at the University of Ulster Coleraine alongside the same course being taught simultaneously at Union College, Belfast.
The subjects covered over the 12 weeks reflect the wide variety of issues youth workers and leaders can expect to confront. These include the Biblical basis for youth ministry; how young people learn; understanding their culture; and the spiritual health of the youth leader. All lectures will be delivered by experienced youth leaders and ministers involved with the Presbyterian Church in Ireland.
Each course is limited to 30 young people and with demand high, anyone wishing to undertake the Certificate in Youth Ministry should contact the Youth Office, Church House, Belfast, by September 22nd. Places are on a first-come-firstserved basis and the course costs £60, which can be paid in two instalments. Organisers of the course are anxious to stress that it is open to all and that there is no academic entrance requirement.
World News is a paper produced by the Overseas Board of the Church. In its articles it regularly features comprehensive facts about mission work across the globe, from Thailand to France. Of considerable interest currently are contributions by a former moderator, the Very Rev Dr John Dixon (Antrim), and this year's moderator Dr Morrow (Lucan).
Dr Dixon (Convenor of the Overseas Board) writes: "The growth of the church today is on a scale that is unique in the history of the world." However, in our society, which he judges is sceptical, cynical and pessimistic in outlook, believers must avoid being squeezed into the mould of such worldly thinking. Shortsightedness with regard to overseas mission is to be avoided. He warns against it. "God has a missionary heart," Dixon claims, "and he wants his children to share his passion and to fulfil his mission, embracing the whole world."
Dr Morrow, when in Australia recently, was able to talk to leaders of the churches in Indonesia who were also in Australia for the installation of the Rev Prof James Haire as the President of the Uniting Church. James Haire had engaged in overseas work in Indonesia for years before going to Australia. Hence the Indonesian representation. Dr Morrow is perhaps uniquely placed after lengthy talks with Indonesian church leaders to write on the pogroms there against Indonesian Christians by Muslims.