Whiteabbey Congregational Church bans Girl's Brigade

happy_gardener

A County Antrim church has expelled its Girls' Brigade (GB) company because it does not approve of GB activities.
Whiteabbey Congregational Church recently adopted a new reformed constitution which restricts musical worship to unaccompanied psalms.
Since the GB's programme often includes dancing and popular music, they are unable to comply with the new regulations, and must leave the church.
The GB said that it now has no option but to close the 133rd GB company.

Is it any wonder Northern ireland religion is in the dark ages....this does not encourage young people to join in. Shame on this church...I am sad for this group of kids....

craftyfox

OMG what next! I spent many happy years in the GB and am now an officer in the BB (some 25+ years ), how are we supposed to work with young people and encourage them into a christian life if this is how a church it treating a long established christian organization:mad: !!!!!
Is there anyway that the GB can move to another church nearby? cause i sure that another congregation would be glad to take them in.

redped

craftyfox wrote: »

OMG what next! I spent many happy years in the GB and am now an officer in the BB (some 25+ years ), how are we supposed to work with young people and encourage them into a christian life if this is how a church it treating a long established christian organization:mad: !!!!!
Is there anyway that the GB can move to another church nearby? cause i sure that another congregation would be glad to take them in.

I agree it seems bizarre - both the officers in the GB (who I assume all belong to that church) and all the girls who attend must feel really wanted now. I know there are other GB companies in nearby churches, but it'd be better if the whole company could remain as one. The only problem is the following from the BBC's page (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-13390951):

However, the problem for the GB is that their regulations do not allow them to simply uproot a company and move it elsewhere.

As a result, the church's decision is forcing them to close, leaving the girls with nowhere else to go.

In a statement, the GB said that its companies are not independently run, but are an integral part of the ministry of their individual church.

"The chaplain of the GB company, usually the minister or another senior church representative, is appointed by the church and is the most senior officer in the GB company. All leaders in the company are likewise appointed by the church.

"The issue is not one of transferring the 133rd Whiteabbey, to new premises. If GB is no longer wanted by Whiteabbey Congregational, then the church has no other option than to close the company, as it is their GB."

So it looks as if a company is part of a church, and can't simply move elsewhere.

My cousin is actually the current president of the GB in NI, so I'll have to ask her for her views on the subject ...

craftyfox

'WHY SHOULD THE DEVIL HAVE ALL THE GOOD MUSIC' as sir cliff once sang:j!!!!