The Church Of Ireland
Press Release

At the first meeting of the Select Vestry of Drumcree Parish since the July period held on Wednesday 13th September 2000, the Rector, The Reverend John Pickering, and the Select Vestry issued the following statement:

"We are aware of the perception abroad that the Rector and Select Vestry of Drumcree Parish Church carry moral responsibility in relation to events caused by unruly elements who exploited a legitimate peaceful protest, following Morning Prayer attended by members of the Portadown LOL No. 1. We feel we have a duty to the parishioners of this church and to the community at large to continue to make our position clear.

"We totally dissociate the parish from the violent scenes which have been orchestrated by certain so-called supporters of the legitimate protest of the Order, the violence witnessed across the Province in July and the suffering caused to so many innocent people. We dissociate the parish from all such activity, which has turned a peaceful protest at the denial of human rights into a period of unlawfulness.

"We support all efforts to reach a solution to the current impasse but we must make it clear that we wish to continue to maintain a normal parish life through regular worship of Almighty God.

"We pray, and ask others to pray, that a resolution will soon emerge for this ongoing situation.

"We appreciate and support the concern and efforts of our Archbishop and many others to reach a solution."