Presbyterian Moderator Dr Donald Patton has called on politicians to resolve the current impasse and provide the stable government that the people of Northern Ireland expect them to deliver.
He also expressed concern over recent events in Lisbellaw and Jonesborough believing that the present disagreement and instability could breathe new life into sectarianism and violence.
"I urge the politicians to work together for the restoration of good government through the Assembly and the meetings of the Executive, and call on all believing people to support this work with their prayers," added Dr Patton.
The Moderator's full statement is as follows:
At this important stage in our political life in Northern Ireland I commend the political parties for their ongoing work and would encourage them to continue their efforts towards finding a consensus that would resolve the current impasse for the good of all.
The General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland at its meeting in June of this year expressed its support for the concept of a shared future and encouraged "... every effort to secure that shared future and urged politicians and leaders of civil society to incorporate strategies to develop a stronger future together which is a shared future."
Recent events in Lisbellaw and Jonesborough have shown how disagreement and instability create the conditions in which extremism takes hold, breathing new life into sectarianism and violence.
The people of Northern Ireland hope for long term stability and concentration on the bread and butter issues such as food and fuel prices, affordable housing, and quality and accessible education.
I urge the politicians to work together for the restoration of good government through the Assembly and the meetings of the Executive, and call on all believing people to support this work with their prayers.
Rt Rev. Dr Donald Patton,
Moderator,
Presbyterian Church in Ireland.
Issued by Stephen Lynas, Presbyterian Information Services. Info@PresbyterianIreland.org
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