Press Releases10 Mar 11

An open letter to the new Irish Government from the Irish Inter-Church Meeting

On behalf of the Irish Inter-Church Meeting – representing as it does almost all the Christian traditions on this island – we wish to assure the new Government of the Republic of Ireland of our sincere and heart-felt prayers. You face an immensely difficult and daunting task on behalf of all the people of this State and, with all people of faith, we wish you the blessing of God in all that you undertake.

We congratulate Enda Kenny on becoming Taoiseach. We pray that he, the new cabinet and those newly appointed to positions of leadership in the 31st Dáil may govern with integrity and justice, help to build local community, work with wisdom, vision and imagination, and be constant in their commitment to creating a better Ireland for all.

It is not for us to give you specific guidance in your duties. We realise that, amidst our economic crises, it could never be a simple task to bring a straightforward equity to every situation you face. We are not being naïve therefore when we make the simple plea that the most deprived, marginalised and disadvantaged of our society will be shown a particular mercy and concern by the Government. The familiar insight of the Hebrew Scriptures that, in acting justly, we are each to love mercy and walk humbly with God is not an empty piety but rather a fundamental maxim for right living.

In a spirit of openness and of mutual respect between all the different traditions on this island – religious and cultural - we together wish to welcome the announcement that Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth, has accepted the invitation of President McAleese to visit Ireland this May.

May God in Christ bless you.

Cardinal Seán Brady, Archbishop of Armagh, Primate of All-Ireland
Bishop Richard Clarke, President Irish Council of Churches, Bishop of Meath and Kildare
Co-chairs, Irish Inter-Church Meeting