Free Presbyterian Minister says Pope Francis ‘was most certainly an antichrist’
Rev Daniel Henderson from Moneyslane Free Presbyterian Church made the comments during a sermon the day after Pope Francis’ funeral
A Free Presbyterian minister in Co Down has said that he makes no apology for stating that Pope Francis “was most certainly an antichrist”.
Rev Daniel Henderson of Moneyslane Presbyterian Church made the comments during a sermon the day following the pontiff’s funeral in Rome.
Advertising the sermon online - ‘Was Francis an antichrist?’ - the livestreamed service also took aim at other Protestant churches and King Charles for their “wishy-washy” statements of sympathy following the 88-year-old’s death last month.
Rev Henderson, who is originally from Liverpool, told the congregation he was not against Catholics and that his own mother was a previous member of the church, but that he believed successive popes had led “millions” to hell.
His main objection was the “blasphemous” belief of Catholics that the Pope is God’s representative on earth.
“I make no apology in saying that Francis was most certainly an antichrist,” Rev Henderson said during this service.
“Francis was when he was in this office, and no doubt the next individual that will be elected to that office of Pope, claims to be the spiritual father of every man, woman, boy, girl upon the face of the earth whether they like it or not.”
He continued: “The Roman antichrist has truly deceived many, countless millions over the centuries have been sent to a lost eternity in hell for evermore due to the influence of Rome upon their lives.
“The Roman Catholic is not to be hated, they are to be pitied and loved…there is apparently 1.4bn Roman Catholics in this world and they all are in need of the Lord Jesus Christ.”
Questioning the Presbyterian Church of Ireland’s decision to issue a statement of condolence for Pope Francis, Rev Henderson said: “I tell you the Lord Jesus Christ is not in mourning over the death of his enemy this evening.”
Towards the end of the service, he said: “Let me ask you another question, does the late Pope’s legacy inspire you? Well I hope not, if it does you may be in the wrong church tonight.”
Michael Kelly, Director of Public Affairs for the papal charity Aid to the Church in Need, which was headed by Pope Francis, told The Irish News that Rev Henderson’s views were a relic of another time.
“I think these comments are extremely distasteful from anyone who would present themselves as a Christian leader,” he said.
“The death of Pope Francis was mourned by Catholics, and all people of good will – from all religious traditions and none – across the globe. He brought out what was best in people, and presented the loving face of Christ to people, and emphasises what united us rather than what separates us.”
He continued: “There is so much division and anger in our world today, Pope Francis with his humility and the frailty of his health in his last days offered a strong counter-balance to the ‘might is right’ strongman approach to world affairs.
“Many times, I’ve been ashamed to be from the north of Ireland as I have looked on aghast as people in leadership positions chose hate over love.”
Mr Kelly said he had been “extremely proud” to see political leaders from Protestant traditions, including the DUP leader Gavin Robinson and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly, paying tributes to the Pope.
“It may seem small to people from other places, but in the context of our history of sectarianism it was a huge step forward and those political leaders deserve great credit for their kindness and generosity is expressing warmth and solidarity as the Catholic community mourn the man who was truly our Holy Father,” he said.
“Thankfully the sentiments expressed in the sermon represent now an extreme minority view, and one that is becoming more marginal by the day,” he said.
In 1988, the Free Presbyterian Church founder Ian Paisley famously staged a protest during a visit from Pope John Paul II to the European parliament where he also called the pontiff an antichrist.
“The united voices in the assembly represent the transformation that has occurred in the north of Ireland, and fringe voices reminiscent of a dark past don’t hold much sway nowadays,” Mr Kelly said.
“It’s a sobering reminder of the sort of rhetoric that fuelled violence and hatred in the past in this place – but authentic Christian people know the truth of the Gospel: love always conquers hate.”
Moneyslane Free Presbyterian Church has been contacted for a response.
The spirit of Ian Paisley is alive and well!
ReplyDeleteMary Winterbourne