Thursday 5th September 2002

Meeting in Armagh today, the leaders of Ireland s four main churches (Dr Russell Birney, Presbyterian Church in Ireland, Dr Sean Brady, Roman Catholic Church, Dr Robin Eames, Church of Ireland and Rev Winston Graham, Methodist Church in Ireland) called for an immediate end to the street violence which has disrupted communities in Belfast in recent weeks and issued the following statement: 

"At our meeting today in Armagh we discussed the current serious situation in Northern Ireland and particularly in Belfast. We are deeply concerned at the immense fear of those people in areas affected by street violence at present. We acknowledge the significant efforts of groups and individuals who are working for peace on the ground in those localities. We wish to encourage these efforts. 

"We call for an immediate end to all street violence. We believe that a period of calm would pave the way for honest and sincere communication between those involved and could lead to a lasting peace. All of us have a responsibility to build peace. We call on people to pray and renew our own commitment to continue to pray and work for a lasting peace."