The Church of Ireland
Press Release

The first year of the new millennium is nearly at an end and Christmas is upon us once more. During the year there were occasions of great sadness, but also many signs of hope. The terrorist attacks on the United States in September shocked and saddened us all. They left many families even in Ireland and some in our own diocese bereaved. We hope the sadness of that event was tempered by the tremendous outpouring of sympathy and prayer that was expressed in our churches and places or worship on the day of mourning, September 14th. In our solidarity with those who were suffering, our own faith and hope were renewed.

Peace in the World

We look on, somewhat helplessly, at the continuing violence and death in the Holy Land. As we approach Christmas we remind ourselves that we are not helpless. We must redouble our prayers for an end to the bloodshed and the horrific suffering of so many people in the land of Christ’s birth. We pray for a spirit of forgiveness and reconciliation between the parties to the conflict there. We pray also for peace in the many other troubled parts of the world, and especially for those who are persecuted because they believe and profess their faith in Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace.

As we approach Christmas this year there are real signs of permanent peace in our own country. The decommissioning of arms has begun and we look forward to it being completed in the near future. The Executive in Northern Ireland has been reinstated and as a result a dangerous political vacuum has been filled. The move to a police force more representative of the whole community holds great promise for a better future for all the people of Northern Ireland and of Ireland as a whole. There is still a long road to travel before peace and reconciliation have been fully achieved, but the journey has begun and we must continue to pray and work so that we will reach that longed-for goal.

Welcome the Stranger

A central part of the message of Christmas is to welcome the stranger among us. Christ found no room at the inn in Bethlehem. He was a refugee in Egypt as a child. Christmas invites us to see Christ in the strangers among us. At this time of Christmas we think of all those from other countries and cultures who are now living and working among us. We think especially of those who are refugees and asylum seekers. Our hearts go out to the families of those who died in a freight container recently in Wexford. We pray for them, their families and friends, and we pray that all of us will be more open and welcoming to those who seek refuge from poverty or persecution in our country.

Greetings

We take this opportunity to send Christmas greetings to all those who will be away from their families this Christmas. We remember in a special way at Christmas our missionaries and voluntary workers in many different parts of the world who will sacrifice their own comfort and convenience for the sake of the people they serve. May they, who imitate the generosity of Christ in a special way, also experience in a special way the peace and the joy of Christmas.
We also remember and greet those who are sick, at home or in hospital, this Christmas, those who are bereaved, and those for whom Christmas brings pain rather than joy. We pray that the peace of Christ will temper your pain and lighten your sorrow. Let us spare a thought, and a prayer of gratitude too, for all who will be working over Christmas in order to ensure that Christmas is better for all of us. We think especially of nurses, doctors and other carers, priests and ministers, gardai and police, people in emergency services and many, many others.

And, finally, we wish all the people of Kilmore, wherever you are, a very happy and peaceful Christmas..