A Northern Ireland council is to reconsider a Freedom of the City celebration for a famous Christian hymn writing couple following an almost four year wait for their arrival.
Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council (LCCC) approved a motion in August 2019 to bestow its highest civic order on Keith and Kristyn Getty following a proposal by Alderman Allan Ewart.
The duo are known globally for their modern hymn development, which sees them spend much of their professional lives in Nashville, USA.
Read more: Hymn writers Keith and Kristyn Getty to perform at SSE Arena.
Lisburn North Alliance Alderman Stephen Martin said: “It is almost four years since we conferred the Freedom of the City on them. The council has responsibility to ratepayers on how their money is spent.
“Perhaps instead of the Gettys coming to Lisburn, they could send a representative to the council.”
The chamber debate referenced the busy schedules of the touring performers regarding the delay and whether to consider alternative arrangements.
However, other members stated that the city honour was also important to many Christian denominations who would want to see any Freedom of the City event for the Gettys.
Lisburn South DUP Alderman Paul Porter said: “This is not just a matter of bestowing the freedom of the city on the Gettys. You will not find one church where their music is not played.
“No matter where you lay your hat, you will hear the music and hymns of the Gettys. Their music can be heard in churches every day of the week.”
A council officer told the committee that the Gettys would be contacted and a report would be brought back to the members in the new year on possible dates or more appropriate celebrations.
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