Presbyterians Commend Positive Action of Governments

The General Board of the Presbyterian Church, (the most representative body outside the General Assembly) met this morning (Thursday 29-02-96) in Church House, Belfast, and has commended the British and Irish Governments for their diligent efforts in moving forward the Peace Process and in particular yesterday's Communique.

In a resolution passed by the General Board, it states that , "It (The General Board) believes this (yesterday's Communique) to contain proposals necessary for progress towards peace, and therefore urges all political parties to adopt a high degree of flexibility and urgency in preparation for elections and eventual negotiations."

However the Board also called on the IRA to listen to the heart cry of Irish people and to make a public announcement of a total and permanent cessation of violence.

Echoing the Board resolutions Presbyterian Moderator Dr John Ross said, "I would urge all our people to pray for those who are involved in any way in these negotiations, that they may be enabled to bring about a lasting solution. All church members should redouble their efforts to reach out to those with whom they differ to promote a climate which will support the search for reconciliation."

General Board Resolutions are as follows:

1.The General Board gives thanks that God is the Lord of history, and reaffirms its faith in His sovereign rule over human affairs.

2.The General Board expresses anger and indignation at the ending of the IRA cease-fire, and at the cruel and calculating deeds of violence perpetrated in London. It calls upon the IRA to listen to the heart-cry of Irish people, North and South, so unmistakably expressed in recent days, and to make public announcement of a total and permanent cessation of violence.

3.The General Board notes with appreciation the work of the Mitchell Enquiry, and in particular commend its six principles as a basis for future progress towards a lasting peace.

4.The General Board commends the British and Irish Governments for their diligent efforts in moving forward the Peace Process, and in particular the Anglo-Irish Communique following the Summit of 28th February. It believes this to contain proposals necessary for progress towards peace, and therefore urges all political parties to adopt a high degree of flexibility and urgency in preparation for elections and the eventual negotiations.

5.The General Board recognises that particularly sensitive and difficult tasks lie ahead, that will need the guidance and wisdom of Almighty God. It therefore urges all our people to pray for those who are involved in any way in these negotiations, that they may be enabled to bring about a lasting solution to our long-standing problems. We also call on all church members to redouble their efforts to reach out to those with whom they differ and to promote a climate which will support the search for reconciliation.

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