Statement on the death of Ian Paisley

The Revd Ken Howcroft, President of the Methodist Conference,and Ms Gill Dascombe, Vice-President of the Methodist Conference,said:

"Our thoughts go out to Rev Dr Ian Paisley's family who will begrieving for a man who was a husband and a father as well as thepolitician and Christian minister who became the First Minister ofNorthern Ireland. Ian Paisley played a prominent role during aturbulent era in Northern Ireland's relations with Britain andIreland.

"He is likely to be remembered as a remarkable and controversialfigure in both religious and political life and for his change ofheart and mind which enabled him to work for reconciliation in hislater years. We pray for his family and for continued peace inNorthern Ireland."