Derry Presbyterian minister overwhelmed by support from catholic neighbours
Thursday, March 11st, 2010

A Derry city Presbyterian minister has challenged the perception that Protestants are not welcome on Derry's cityside. 

Speaking to the Derry Journal newspaper Reverend David Latimer, of First Derry Presbyterian Church said that he has been overwhelmed by the support of his church's "nationalist, republican and Catholic" neighbours, since the congregation were forced to leave their Magazine Street place of worship in 2002.

"There are things that have happened over the last number of years that lead us in First Derry to believe there is a very definite role for Protestants and for Presbyterians to play in the west bank of the city," Reverend Latimer told the 'Journal.  

"A very powerful example would be the cross party political support from Derry City Council, from nationalist, republican as well as unionist representatives.  They all have shown great interest, they simply want us back."

He also spoke of his evolving friendship with Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness, who he says has been instrumental in helping First Derry return to their home on the walls since dry rot forced the 250 family congregation to leave eight years ago.

Repair work has now got underway on First Derry and it is now hoped the congregation will return in the summer of 2011. 

A special service of thanksgiving is planned for March 21 on the city walls outside the church. 

Reverend Latimer added that there is a climate of change sweeping through the city and believes the cityside should no longer be seen as a cold house for Protestants. 

“What more proof do we need for this view than when Martin McGuinness was involved in the recent talks at Hillsborough he made time to talk with me in his office specifically about funding for First Derry?” 

“I can unequivocally say that we are welcome.  As communities we cannot always remain apart, together we are much stronger.  There is a window of opportunity in Derry that does not exist elsewhere in Northern Ireland."

by Sean Ryan

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