Rev. Ian Paisley, who led anti-Catholic forces in Northern Ireland, dead at 88
September 12, 2014
Rev. Ian Paisley, the fiery anti-Catholic leader of Protestants in Northern Ireland, has died at the age of 88.
The founder of the Democratic Unionist Party, Rev. Paisley was a polarizing figure during “the troubles” in Northern Ireland, regularly denouncing Catholics and attacking their faith. In 1988, when Pope John Paul II addressed the European Parliament, Rev. Paisley was removed from the chamber after an outburst. “I denounce you, Anti-Christ,” the Irish Protestant shouted at the Pontiff. “I refuse you as Christ’s enemy and Antichrist with all your false doctrine.”
Later in life Rev. Paisley altered his approach to Catholicism, as he joined in work to promote peace in Northern Ireland. In 2006 he met with then-Archbishop Sean Brady, and in 2008 he joined in a prayer service with a Catholic priest. By 2010, when Pope Benedict XVI visited Great Britain, Rev. Paisley only offered a mild objection, saying that the papal visit was a “mistake.”
Dr. Paisley also gradually developed working relationships with the Irish Republicans who had been his bitter enemies in political battles. Martin McGuinness, a longtime adversary who is now deputy first minister of Northern Ireland, said that he was “very sad” to hear of the death of his old rival. “I have lost a friend,” McGuinness said.
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Further information:
- Former DUP leader Ian Paisley dies aged 88 (Daily Telegraph)
- Ian Paisley: ‘Never! Never! Never!’ and other notable quotes (Irish Times)
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