2 August

Dear Friends,

It’s great to be back!

Hilary and I are delighted to be returning to the ERC. I was first introduced to the church in 2014 following my retirement from ministry in Dublin, Ireland.

This will be my fourth locumcy. Every time we come, we find the congregation looking forward in hope. In 2014 we witnessed the nomination of Lance Stone as your minister. In 2022 we observed your determination to leave behind the restrictions of the pandemic. In 2023 we rejoiced to hear of your progress towards calling a new pastor. Now we will join you in preparing for Marius’ ministry.

May God continue to bless you all. 

Denis Campbell

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Pastoral Letter 

The Taking of Christ (1601) by Caravaggio.

This summer Belfast’s Ulster Museum is exhibiting Caravaggio’s The Taking of Christ. The painting is on loan from the National Gallery of Ireland. The Baroque master has painted a canvas full of straining and struggling bodies. The soldiers are arresting Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane. All is violence and confusion. One disciple flees from the scene uttering a loud scream, which even in a quiet art gallery one can almost hear. Judas the betrayer is locked in a deadly embrace with Jesus as he identifies him with the kiss of friendship. The only serene person in the canvas is Jesus. His hands are folded in submission and his face bears an expression of unspeakable sorrow. 

Caravaggio has captured in one frozen moment the mission of Christ to be truly the suffering servant of God. The artist has included a self-portrait in the picture. He is the man holding a lantern to throw light on the shameful act of betrayal. But the lantern light is dim and ineffective. The main light in the painting shines from outside illuminating the face of the Man of Sorrows. Caravaggio is preaching a sermon and what a sermon! 

What an irony that those with violent intent should bring a lantern to reveal one who is truly the Light of the World! Thus Caravaggio, rogue though he was, preaches the gospel in paint and it still engages the viewer with the truth of Christ.

Denis Campbell