Following a call by Cllr Declan O’Loan to restrict outdoor Gospel services in the People’s Park, Ballymena, TUV Councillor and Deputy Mayor Timothy Gaston commented:
“I’m disappointed by recent attempts by certain Councillors to restrict the preaching of the Gospel in the People’s Park.
“I fully supported the decision of Mid and East Antrim Borough Council to permit Ballymena Gospel Hall to use the People’s Park for open air Gospel services on Sundays throughout the summer.
“Open air services and Gospel outreach are a common feature across the borough, and as a local councillor, I feel this is a very worthwhile expression of our Christian heritage.
“The various organisations carrying out this type of evangelism often also make significant contributions to wider community wellbeing and social care across the borough by providing services such as youth Bible clubs, food banks and senior citizens groups.
“One of the privileges of living in the United Kingdom is ‘civil and religious liberty for all’. This includes freedom of religious expression. I believe it is vital that we do not erode this fundamental freedom.
“As a local Councillor, I feel we should continue to support the right and freedom to publicly express one’s religious beliefs.”