The Church Of Ireland
Press Release

At this time of intense political activity and attempts to rescue the peace process Christians should pray for all involved in the current discussions. Recognising the various pressures at present placed on the governments and politicians we must pray that God will guide them at this critical time of decision.

It is important that all involved in these discussions are aware of the genuine hopes and fears of people in all communities who look to them for political leadership and vision. But both communities must also recognise more of the feelings of their neighbours.

Inflammatory rhetoric and words of surrender or victory must be avoided at this time and should be replaced by words of positive hope and realism. Voluntary and symbolic words and actions in the name of lasting peace must be the priority on both sides. Time is not on our side.

Beyond the established facts of this situation there are clear indications of public opinion at this time. there are also issues of definite moral importance to be remembered. If we are to progress along lines of democracy and decency all instruments of destruction and death must be removed once and for all from the scene. Too many have suffered for this community to be in any doubt that the removal of such instruments is a major step to the building up of confidence and trust lacking so far in our dealings with each other. The longer such instruments of death remain whether in Republican or Loyalist hands the longer will be the tune before political progress can produce that trust.

I recognise the genuine difficulties in both communities so far as disarmament is concerned. But we can no longer avoid the urgency of a resolution of this problem.

From within the Protestant and unionist community there is a deep feeling that the cost for them and the pace of the peace process adds weight to the call for immediate decommissioning. Within the Republican community there is mistrust of their unionist neighbours. But neither community can afford any longer to allow the question of arms to continue as an obstacle to political progress. Too much is at stake for all of us. We have come too far to allow what has been achieved to fail.

Trust is the real casualty of this situation. Both sides must now take the steps necessary to build new hope and confidence. Otherwise Northern Ireland faces years of continuing danger and erosion. I pray God will give us all new courage and trust to see a way forward.