Press Releases29 Dec 06

Four church leaders (Ireland) media release

CHURCH LEADERS ENCOURAGE ALL TO PRAY FOR END TO SECTARIANISM AND PREJUDICE IN COMING YEAR

The leaders of the four main church leaders in Ireland have issued the
following statement urging people to pray for an end to prejudice and
sectarianism in the year ahead;

The New Year brings both the excitement of a fresh start but also fear of what may lie ahead.

In Northern Ireland we once again face a year of decision which will affect our future and that of our children and grandchildren.

The decisions we make will either take us forward into a shared future with a mindset of moving forward together or leave us in the past trapped by our grudges and prejudices.

As Christians we believe our future is in God¹s hands and we would ask people to join us in prayer seeking guidance for ourselves, wisdom for our politicians and leaders and for the good of all our fellow citizens. We ask everyone to reject those words, attitudes and actions which fuel prejudice and sectarianism.

In this way we believe everyone can play a significant part in finding a way forward around which we can all unite in a spirit of equality and respect for one another.

Archbishop Robin Eames
Archbishop Sean Brady
Methodist President Rev Ivan McElhinney
Presbyterian Moderator Rt Rev David Clarke