Diocesan News
Bishop Forster salutes “one of the giants of modern Irish history”
A statement by the Bishop of Derry and Raphoe, the Rt Rev Andrew Forster, following the death of John Hume:
'I am deeply saddened to learn of the death of the Nobel peace laureate, John Hume – one of the giants of modern Irish history.
'John achieved what many people had thought impossible by plotting a course through the previously uncharted waters of peace in Northern Ireland. He mapped out a route which addressed what he called “the totality of relationships in these islands”: between Unionists and Nationalists; north and south; Britain and Ireland. The approach he prescribed gave rise to our modern peace process.
'Those of us who grew up during the Troubles recognise that Northern Ireland is a better place now because of the courage and commitment of people like John Hume. We owe him and them an enormous debt for what they achieved on our behalf. We would now honour John best by completing that quest to build a better society and a peace that endures.
'I offer my sincere condolences to John’s devoted wife, Pat, and to their five children, and assure the family that they are to the fore in my prayers at this very sad time.'
For further information please contact:
Diocesan Communications Officer, Derry & Raphoe
Mr Paul McFadden
028 7126 2440
07525 826290
press@derryandraphoe.org