Sunday shopping in Belfast ‘an attack on Christian and family values', say Free Presbyterians
On Thursday evening, Belfast City Council agreed plans for the scheme, which will allow shops to open from 10am on Sundays during the six-week pilot period.
An amendment to the plans asking for the issue to go back to committee, supported by the DUP, SDLP, Green Party, UUP and TUV failed.
The plans were backed by Sinn Fein and Alliance.
As things stand, larger shops in Belfast can only open from 1pm to 6pm, while smaller stores have more flexibility.
The Convenor of the Government and Morals Committee of the Free Presbyterian Church, Rev Gordon Dane said: 'It is another attack on the Christian and family values of the nation.
'Not only would it be a breaking of the fourth commandment but if this was to go ahead it would be another instance of the undermining of the family in our society.
'God gave the Sabbath not only as a time of worship but as a time of rest and it has been one time in the week when families can be together.
'The undermining of family has been of immense harm in our society. God has set the family as the bedrock of society and it is no coincidence that it is family that has been a prime target of those who wish to undermine the Christian ethos of society. But this undermining of family has done untold harm on many levels.'
Proponents of the scheme claim that extended Sunday shopping in Belfast would be a boost for visitors and tourists, as the city centre is 'dead' on Sunday mornings.
But the church founded by former DUP leader and first minister Ian Paisley pointed out that Liam English of shopworkers' union USDAW has said that if this proposal goes ahead shop workers, 'family time is going to be given up'.
The Church – which last year opposed local football matches being played on Sundays – said that when Sunday shopping was originally brought in there were assurances that they would not be open when Church morning services were on. Now the proposal is for shops to be open from 10am.
Many countries restrict Sunday trading, they said.
'In Germany, most retail stores are generally closed on Sundays and public holidays due to the Ladenschlussgesetz, or 'Shop Closing Law'. Stores in Poland can only open on a few Sundays in the year. In France, most shops are generally closed on Sundays, with exceptions for small food stores and those in tourist areas.'
They concluded: 'The Free Presbyterian Church is calling on the Councillors of Belfast City Council to oppose this detrimental move. There is plenty of time to shop from Monday to Saturday. Do not forsake the commandment of God that has been given for man's benefit for a few more hours of shopping.'
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