|
|
|
The Presbyterian Church has called on all Christian people to counteract the recent arson attacks on homes, churches and other property and do all they can to continue to build relationships between communities.
At todays meeting of the Presbyterian Church's General Board, the most representative body outside the General Assembly, a report from the Church and Government Committee said, 'Churches are treated as places deserving of special respect and care because of their particular association with the worship of God. There is therefore an understandable sense of anger and sadness when these buildings are burned. In a society where the sacredness of human life has been disregarded for so long, arson attacks on churches cause people to ask in reasonable dismay, Is there no respect for anything?'
In passing a resolution deploring all recent arson attacks the General Board warned against the use of words which inflame passions. 'The apostle James reminds us that the loose use of words can be like a small flame which can set a forest on fire. Words are powerful in their capacity to inflame passion. Words need to be carefully chosen. Not only that , but community strategies have to be employed which diminish rather that heighten tension, which build trust and confidence.'
The full text of the General Board resolution is:
The General Board deplores resent arson attacks on churches, Orange Halls, public buildings and private homes. It extends its sympathy to all who have been upset and adversely affected by these attacks. In this tense time in which we live, it calls upon all members of the church to do all in their power to uphold the rule of law, to resist the use of words or the deployment of strategies which would further polarise different parts of the community and, in addition, to support those who foster love and understanding in the service of a future marked by cooperation and respect.
Issued by Stephen Lynas, Presbyterian Information Services. Info@PresbyterianIreland.org
PCI Home . . . Press Office . . . News Archive