Press Releases
Archbishop Eames' address at the opening of the new diocesan offices for the diocese of Derry and Raphoe
Primate calls for new trust
Extracts from the address by the Archbishop of Armagh, the Most Reverent Dr Robin Eames
?It is an immense pleasure and privilege for me and my wife Christine to revisit this diocese which will always hold for us so many happy memories. I congratulate the Bishop, Diocesan Council, clergy and laity on these superb new premises which will form the administrative heart for the work and witness of Derry and Raphoe.
Challenge to the meaning of trust in this Province.
Today much attention is focused on the efforts of politicians to reach some agreement which will permit the return of devolved government to Northern Ireland. We must pray for those attempts to remove obstacles to political progress and to build agreement where that is possible.
However much more is at stake than agreement between political parties. Behind and beyond the political scene is the nature and quality of trust between people. The real consequence of our troubled past has been the erosion of trust across the community. Suspicion, doubt and differing interpretations of past events have driven wedges between people. The urgent need of this moment is the courage to face up to this lack of trust at all levels. We must not allow any lack of effort, any lack of courage or any absence of self-confidence to stand in the way of building trust. Both our main communities have our doubts today. What we all need whether as politicians, churches or individuals, is new self-confidence. We have the lessons of the past. We have our memories. But there will never be the day of progress until we build up and cement trust between all our people. Political progress is part of that process. The work of the Church is part of that process. Trust must be built on honesty, truth and co-operation.
We have all to gain by that progress ? we have all to lose by its failure. So let us find the courage to build political and religious bridges which will give all of our people the stability and peace they so richly deserve.
The Church of Ireland here in the north-west has long played a vital role in the life of this community and has been greatly valued by all sections of the area for its outreach, reconciliation work and for its influence in building bridges between people of differing religious and political outlooks. Today I pay tribute to the witness and leadership of Bishop Ken Good and his wife Mary.?
Further information from:
Tel: Belfast +44 (0)28 9023 2909 Dublin +353 (0)1 497 8422
Press Officer: Sarah Williams (duty phone) +44 (0)7787 881582