The Speaker, John Larkin QC, Attorney General for Northern Ireland, took as his theme "Interplay between the State and Believers - Corporately and Individually".
Christianity developed from a foundation of Judaism in Greek and Roman times. Today in Great Britain and Ireland we have a background of Christian belief, divided Christianity and a secular society.
The French Revolution gave Human Rights and allowed personal practice of religion provided its manifestation was not against public order. However the structure of the Church was suppressed with opposition to monasteries and realignment of diocesan boundaries with civil boundaries. The American War of Independence also enshrined rights to religious beliefs but forbade establishing religion.
At this time in the British Isles there were three established Churches - England, Ireland and Scotland - two Anglican and one Presbyterian. With the Act of Union the Churches of England and Ireland were united leaving two established Churches.
John Larkin QC
The Government of Ireland Act of 1914 and the later 1922 Act provided protection for minority churches.
He went on to quote some recent case laws where the right to religious beliefs of one individual has been tested against the rights of others. Generally rights of individuals or small groups have been accepted where they add to the rights of society in general, but rejected if they are against the common good. Care must also be taken to differentiate between basic religious beliefs and religious practices.
Today we think we know all the answers re Human Rights, but we have still a lot to learn from our ancestors, particularly the Greeks and Romans.
After a break for tea the Attorney General answered members' questions.
Garth Corbett (Cregagh Branch Chairman), Bill Christie ( Cregagh Branch Vice-President ), John Larkin QC (attorney General for northern Ireland) and Arthur Macartney (CIMS Hon Lay Sec)