Church of Ireland - A province of the Anglican Communion

Any moves which will remove the threat of terrorism and violence from the entire community must be welcomed. On this day my thoughts and prayers are for the many individuals and families who have lost loved ones through terrorism over the years. The victims of the past must never be forgotten.

The IRA statement could herald the beginning of a period of transition from violence to peaceful and democratic co-existence – but only if words lead to clear and unambiguous action. There is now a moral imperative for Republicanism to be seen to act. A community which has grown wary and weary of fine sentiments not linked to action will welcome this transition if it is genuine and clear.

Republicanism must understand that a majority of this community yearns for reassurance that words will be backed up by deeds. Unionism must recognise that given the history of Irish Republicanism the IRA statement is a significant development. It should not be dismissed easily – but its sincerity remains to be tested. All political parties must search out the possibilities of this new situation.

In dealing with this situation there is a need for government to recognise that if a period of stability and peaceful co-existence is to become a reality in Northern Ireland there is a moral imperative to be seen to act fairly and openly towards all communities and to accept that there are moral principles which should supersede political expediency.”


For further information please contact:
Church of Ireland Press Office Church of Ireland House 61–67 Donegall Street Belfast BT1 2QH Tel: (028) 9082 8880 (from NI) Tel: (048) 9082 8880 (from RoI) Fax (028) 9032 3554 E–mail: Press Office
Paul Harron: (duty phone) +44 (0)7787 881582 Janet Maxwell: (duty phone) +353 (0) 87 948 4412 www.ireland.anglican.org/news