Press Releases07 Dec 12

Statement by the Bishop of Down & Dromore on Threat to MP for East Belfast

From The Rt Revd Harold Miller, Bishop of Down & Dromore:

‘It is deeply disturbing to learn of a death threat against the elected Member of Parliament for East Belfast, Naomi Long, and of attacks against other elected representatives, in the wake of reaction to the recent vote on the flying of the Union Flag at Belfast City Hall.

‘There can be no moral justification for such a threat or acts of violence in the name of “protest”, however strongly held one’s views are on any symbols of identity or allegiance. To resort to intimidation and attack is an affront to the high values of democratic freedom within the United Kingdom and to its flag and offers nothing to our society in Northern Ireland.

‘My prayer is that across our communities we will reject what is wrong and all work constructively for the building up of the common good.’