Press Releases25 Dec 04

Extracts from Archbishop Eames' Christmas sermon

EXTRACTS FROM ARCHBISHOP EAMES' CHRISTMAS SERMON 2004

Trust has been the greatest victim of the past in Northern Ireland.

At all levels of our community life barriers have been built up between people because of suspicion, competing political and religious outlook, the experience of suffering and violence and the sense of injustice felt by so many. Above all memories of the past haunt lives and homes right across our community.

How we deal with memory dictates our attitudes to the present and our view of the future.

Memory can be an encouragement, a positive element in our life. But memory can also be destructive and influence our chances of happiness and fulfilment for the future.
No greater task faces Northern Ireland this Christmas than the need to deal with memories of the past. How we do so will have a great deal to say about trust.

The birth of Christ brought hope into this world. The Christian Gospel speaks of hope based on trust. It can still break down the barriers among people. When we allow this to happen trust is born and established. It can also teach us that memories of the past, experience of the present and hopes for the future are in the hands of the one God and Father of us all.