Anglican Communion News Service

The Standing Committee of the Church of Ireland wishes to place on record its condemnation of all acts of violence and intimidation and especially those of recent months in Northern Ireland. It regrets and abhors the political and religious sectarianism throughout the whole community that finds expression in civil disorder, lawlessness, economic boycott and interference with the right to worship which only further deepens division, suspicion and fear. It acknowledges with a sense of deep penitence the extent to which the cause of God's kingdom of love and peace has been discredited.

The Standing Committee is aware of the fears and sense of alienation felt by many people in Ireland, North and South, at this time and continues to stress the importance of political dialogue and local community contact as a means of creating stability and genuine peace built on mutual trust. It commends all those clergy and lay, who in these most difficult times continue to work courageously for healing and reconciliation.