The Rev Ivan Foster, convenor of the Free Presbyterian Education Board and minister of Kils- keery Free Presbyterian Church in Co Tyrone, last week called on Christians in the Province to think twice before donating money to the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC). He accused the charity of siding with education minister Martin McGuinness and Sinn Fein as part of an 'evil plan' to attack the denomination, which permits corporal punishment in its independent schools.
In an article published on the Free Presbyterian Church's website the Rev Foster said, 'The present state of lawlessness in society is the result, in part, of the utter ineffectiveness of modern parenting, especially in child discipline. The NSPCC and their ally, Martin McGuinness, are determined that such lawlessness will continue and increase.'
He added, 'God says that corporal punishment is necessary and right in the discipline of children; the NSPCC says he is wrong. The attempt by this unholy coalition to deny Christians the right to obey God signals a re-emergence of state-sponsored opposition to Bible Christianity. Remember the part the NSPCC is playing in this evil plan the next time a representative of that organisation rattles a tin before you.' Asked why he was campaigning against the NSPCC, the Rev Foster said, 'All I am saying is that Christians should be very careful who they support financially. The NSPCC has teamed up with Martin McGuinness to oppose corporal punishment.'
The education minister, who admitted recently to the Bloody Sunday hearing that he was second in command of the IRA in Londonderry in 1972, has said he intends to outlaw corporal punishment in independent schools in Northern Ireland. The Rev Foster said, 'It is the height of irony to have this man campaigning to deny people their right to follow God's Word with regard to corporal punishment.
'I have six children as well as grandchildren. I smacked my children and they smack their children. We know the difference between smacking and hitting. Children must not be beaten because you are in a bad temper or because of something they did yesterday.'
The NSPCC has sought to distance itself from the Rev Foster's comments. Its divisional director, Karen Wright, said, 'The NSPCC respects people's religious beliefs. As a member of the Children are Unbeatable campaign we believe in non-physical discipline as being in the best interests of children, which is our core responsibility.
'We may not agree with the Rev Foster's views on corporal punishment, but his remarks asking people not to support the NSPCC's child protection programmes will in the long run only hurt the children we work with. We are glad of the support for child protection issues received from all religions, communities and parties in Northern Ireland.
'As a charity we work with all political parties and receive support and help from across the entire political spectrum.'
The Free Presbyterian Church is headed by the Rev Ian Paisley.
