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Following its stated meeting on Tuesday 10th September 1996, the Presbytery of Derry & Strabane, which is made up of ministers and lay representatives from over 30 Presbyterian congregations in the Derry, Strabane and Donegal area, has issued the following statement today.
The attacks on several Churches in the North West during this summer period cause concern to our Presbytery of Derry and Strabane and the people whom we pastor. Not that attacks on our church properties or that of other denominations is something new, but that it seems to be part of something much wider, and more sinister, that has been happening within the communities of Londonderry and of the wider area of the North West this summer. We express the concerns and fears of our Presbyterian people at this time.
Presbytery was disappointed that the Apprentice Boys were unable to achieve accommodation with the Bogside Residents Group over the August parade, but pleased that the day passed without major conflict. Concern is being felt at grass roots level, that any expression of Unionism or Protestantism within Londonderry, and the North West, is unwanted, and that the idea of 'parity of esteem' of traditions and cultures is only talk.
The boycotting, wrecking, and burning of Protestant businesses in the wider area of the North West causes deep concern, because such sectarian activities can polarise our communities even further. These activities benefit no one, and only breed hatred, bigotry, revenge, and ultimately unemployment and poverty.
It has already been reported in local newspapers that Protestants are experiencing increasing intimidation in the workplace
Recognising that very substantial numbers of Presbyterians have already left the Cityside of Londonderry and other areas of the North West, we are concerned that these issues are causing our Presbyterian people to withdraw even more in to areas where they will feel safer, and where their Protestant and Unionist identity is not continuously being threatened. This is not good for our divided land, where, with our differing traditions and cultures, we should be learning how to live with one another in peace, and valuing those differences which we have.
We hear also the concerns of nationalists about the events of Drumcree, and assure them that we take seriously what they see as 'triumphalism' in marches and parades.
The formal enquiry into marches and parades taking place over this winter period will hopefully provide some guidance in this matter, and we await their conclusions.
In the meantime we would appeal to those who are polarising our communities, to recognise the hurt they are causing, the harm they are doing to community relations in the North West. and to refrain from sectarian actions for the sake of the future of us all.
The following are available for interview:
Moderator of Presbytery
Rev Robert Davey - Tel: (01504) 351590
Presbytery Press Officer
Rev David Latimer - Tel: (01504) 41490
Issued by Rev David Latimer, Presbytery of Derry and Strabane
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