Failing to Protect Sunday as non North West Race Day Erodes Christian Principles

The following letter written by Rev Roger Higginson was recently published in the local press.

Recently there has been much consultation in Stormont regarding the extension of racing times during the North West 200.

This event is of great benefit to our community on many levels and is supported by people from not just the Province but also much further afield. It is the largest event to take place each year on the North Coast.

Last year the inclement weather rendered it impossible to hold the event on the Saturday, which has led to much discussion and debate about granting contingency days in the event of such circumstances occurring again.

While I am not opposed to the extension of racing times between Monday and Saturday in the event of poor weather, I am strongly opposed to the potential running of motorcycle races on public roads on a Sunday, which the new legislation clearly allows for, albeit between the times of 1.30pm and 6pm.

Many church attenders and practising Christians in the Triangle area live on or within the course, and while the new legislation does not safeguard the Lord’s Day as a whole, it does appear to ringfence times where traditional worship services are likely to take place.

I am thankful that this proposal was at least made and accepted, but would have liked to have seen more done to protect Sunday completely as is done on the Isle Of Man during the TT.

The word of God is very clear that one day in seven, the Sabbath, is to be held in honour and respect. When God finished creating the world He rested on the Seventh day and sanctified it.

When the Ten Commandments were written by the finger of God on tablets of stone He told us to ‘remember the Sabbath Day to keep it Holy’ (Exodus 20v8-11). God promises blessing on those who honour Him and this law and pronounces a curse on those who deny and undermine it (Isaiah 58.13-14).

The Lord’s Day, the Christian Sabbath, is clearly set apart as special in the New Testament. It was on the first day of the week that the Saviour rose from the dead. It was on the first day of the week that the Spirit was poured out at Pentecost. It was on the first day of the week that disciples met together to break bread and bring their thank offerings unto the Lord.

When John was on the Isle of Patmos from where he recorded the Book of the Revelation he said ‘I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s Day’.

The Bible establishes this one day in seven to be distinct from the rest. Bible believing Christians from all orthodox denominations have historically sought to keep Sunday special and our country has in time past been the better for it.

Man needs a day of rest, and God demands a day to be given for His praise and worship.

As a Christian Minister I am saddened that many within our government, some of whom are professing Christians themselves, have not actively sought means to safeguard a fundamental principle which is based solidly in the Word of God.

It is yet another erosion of the Christian principles which our land has been so blessed under.

Yours in Christ.

Rev Roger Higginson

Coleraine Free Presbyterian Church

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