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At its autumn meeting held today 30-10-97, the General Board of the Presbyterian Church has said that people need to engage in 'strenuous peacemaking activity at every level' if the quest for peace is to be ultimately successful.
The 200 member board, composed of ministers and laity in equal numbers and the most authoritative and representative body outside the General Assembly, also further encouraged the talks process and welcomed the willingness of most parties to participate. The Board reiterated a resolution passed by the General Assembly in June which urged 'the British and Irish Governments and all elected political parties to enter into urgent and serious talks.'
However the Board are also mindful of the suffering of the bereaved and injured especially at this 10th anniversary of the Enniskillen bombing. 'We strongly commend the thousands of people who have exercised courage, tolerance and restraint during the troubles. Without their self control the situation would have much much worse,' said the Moderator, Dr Sam Hutchinson.
'To bring about the peace that we desire needs everyone to make the effort - not just the politicians. I would urge everyone to continue in prayer and to back that up with strenuous peacemaking activities to do what they can in their own community to build firm relationships that increase understanding and facilitate peace and reconciliation,' added the Moderator.
In 1994 the Presbyterian Church passed its Peace Vocation which it has encouraged members to sign which commits them to 'publicly acknowledge our vocation to peace.... and challenges us to develop radically new attitudes and relationships with our neighbours in Ireland.' Over 200 peace agents have been established in congregations to actively promote peace making including organising events that bring the different traditions of the Christian community together to promote friendship and understanding.
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