The Church of Ireland
Press Release

The Rev. Stewart Heaney, Rector of Immanuel Parish on the Ardoyne Road, today said it was necessary to express and reinforce Christian perspectives in relation to the difficulties being experienced by children and parents going to Holy Cross Girls’ Primary School.

Rev Heaney said: “I have no political baggage. I am not privy to any negotiations which have already taken place, nor do I know who is, who mandated them or to whom they are accountable. My interest is purely pastoral for all concerned.

“After visiting parishioners in the area, I am clear that there is considerable unease about the situation, particularly about any difficulties created for children travelling along Ardoyne Road to attend school.

“We all acknowledge that there are many unresolved problems and difficulties in this interface area including damage to property, murder, fear and intimidation. These must be resolved and there is clearly a need to set up a Forum to that end.

“But many of these problems involve different viewpoints and are by nature complex. They cannot be resolved overnight. Therefore it seems unreasonable to involve the children and insist that they or their accompanying parents cannot travel to their school by the normal route until all the problems are finally resolved. Christians cannot sit easily with that position.

“I want people to consider a return to the status quo prior to 19 June 2001 – children travelling to their school by the normal route of Ardoyne Road, without protest. Residents of Glenbryn, Alliance, Hesketh and Wheatfield travelling to the shops at Ardoyne by the normal route of Ardoyne Road, without interference.

“Finally people should consider establishing a Forum with representatives of both communities to try and resolve the problems of the interface area possibly guided by Mediation Network.”