Cardinal Cathal Daly will be the special preacher at an Inter Church Christmas Carol Service to be held in Layde Parish Church, Cushendall on Sunday, 29 December 2002 at 6pm. The Glens of Antrim Choir will lead the singing and local people and clergy will read the lessons. The Bishop of Connor, the Rt Revd Alan Harper will also attend.

The Church of Ireland community in the parish have greatly benefitted from the generosity and support of their Roman Catholic neighbours who have raised several thousand pounds towards the restoration of the roof of Layde Church.

The Bishop of Connor, the Rt Revd Alan Harper, said: "No doubt the service on Sunday next will be a further opportunity to recognise the generosity of the local community in helping to renovate the church. The event itself shines out as a beacon of hope and goodwill in our still divided society.

"I welcome not only the spirit of the gesture but also the example that it offers us all and I thank all involved in organizing the service notably Father Daly, Father Neeson, Canon Ruddock and Canon Lloyd. It will be a joy and privilege to welcome the Cardinal, the Choir and all the other visitors to Cushendall on Sunday."