Church leaders want return of devolved government

Friday March 23rd 2007

Church of Ireland Primate, Archbishop Alan Harper, together with the leaders of the three other main churches in Northern Ireland has urged politicians here to work for the immediate return of a devolved executive.

A statement issued by Archbishop Harper, the Roman Catholic Primate Archbishop Sean Brady, Presbyterian Moderator Rt Rev Dr David Clarke, and Methodist President Rev Ivan McElhinney, extends congratulations to everyone elected to the Northern Ireland Assembly.

It continues: “Realising the tremendous responsibility you now share in leading our community forward, we express our concern and support for you. We also assure you of our continuing prayers and those of our churches.

“The election demonstrated once again a strong desire for local government and we urge all politicians to work for an immediate return of a devolved executive. We recognise that devolved government will only be secure when there is sufficient trust between the parties.”

The church leaders’ statement concludes: “While calling on politicians to build new relationships together, we pledge ourselves also to work within our communities to build greater trust and understanding.”