Press Releases23 May 07

Whitsuntide statement by the Most Revd Alan Harper, Archbishop of Armagh

PENTECOST 2007: A NEW SPIRIT

New structures of government and signs of a new cordiality among political leaders of all parties are convincing signs of a new spirit abroad across the whole community in Northern Ireland. It is with great thanksgiving to Almighty God that we now look forward, with renewed hope and confidence, to a peaceful and prosperous shared future.

My prayer is that this new spirit may also begin to enable more progress to be made in resolving the difficult issues associated with contentious parades. New attitudes and new structures are creating a completely new working environment. In that spirit what is now needed is generosity on all sides so that, with a little give and take, accommodations can be reached that all parties can live with. My prayer at this season of Pentecost is that the Holy Spirit, the Counsellor, will enable the fruits of dialogue to become evident in a new spirit of mutual tolerance and respect.