Saturday 12th January 2002

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Once again in these past days the world has focused attention on deplorable events taking place in parts of north Belfast, yet only those who live in the areas where tension is high know the extent of the fear, anger, resentment and frustration underlying those events together with the trauma and suffering of ordinary people whose dearest wish is to get on with their lives in peace. 

We wish to express in the name of God our care and concern for all who have been bereaved, hurt or feel fearful or threatened at this time. We also wish to express our gratitude to the clergy whose pastoral care of all their people has been exemplary.

We recognise that real issues and genuine feelings of alienation are present in the community. Those issues and feelings have been articulated to us by the clergy and we are seeking to find ways to make them known at the highest level. Meanwhile we urge all members of the Church of Ireland to redouble their efforts in the following areas:

1. Continue to pray earnestly for justice and peace for all the people of this community who have suffered so grievously in these days, especially those caught up in the present tensions; and as we pray for those who suffer, pray also for those who exercise influence and leadership; and for those who engage in acts of violence, that in their case their hearts may be turned towards peace.
   

2. Whilst accepting and respecting the legitimacy of peaceful protest in circumstances of genuine grievance, we ask all members of the Church of Ireland to use their influence to ensure that legitimate protest does not descend into disorder or violence.
   

3. Despite the difficulties and dangers of these days we urge our people to persevere in keeping alive the possibilities for building better relationships across the divisions in our society. We are convinced that here lies the best hope for the peaceful and prosperous future we all seek.