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The Church and Government Committee of the Presbyterian Church has issued a 22 paragraph response to the Patten Report which it has entitled 'Dilemmas and Decisions.'
In presenting 'Dilemmas and Decisions' Presbyterian Moderator, Dr John Lockington, was keen to emphasise that the Committee had responded from a pastoral perspective. Consequently the Committee felt that the acceptability of the whole Patten Report would have been enhanced if the 'pain' suffered by the RUC and all those associated with the organisation had been more explicitly recognised.
' The difficulties for people from the Unionist part of the community of accepting the Report's recommendations are compounded by the experience of suffering and loss known by many because of their associations with the RUC. Caught in the crossfire of a community split in two, the RUC have had to police disorder and bear the brunt of attack. There is a deep and enduring sense of pain and loss for the relatives of those who have been killed and those who have been injured.'
The phasing out of the Full Time Reserve was also a concern. Aside from security considerations there was the issue of finding new employment and while welcoming the compensation and retraining measures the Committee suggested that officers who served in the Reserve ought to be considered for civilian posts in the new arrangements.
However the response also recognised there was a need for change but not only in institutions, in individuals also. 'The possibility of living in a peaceful community, where people and communities of difference not only coexist but also co-operate, requires change. It is not only in institutions and organisations that change is necessary, but also in the hearts and minds of all the people of Northern Ireland. The real challenge is when the hearts and minds invited to change are our own.'
Among the recommendations welcomed by the Church and Government Committee and which it felt would enhance policing in a context of peaceful co-operation were: recognition of the need for a policing 'service' adequate for the needs of the whole community; involvement of local communities; training with emphasis on community awareness and relational and partnership skills and the provision for co-operation with other police services.
Also welcomed was the intention to recruit large numbers of Catholics into the police though concern was voiced over the Patten recommendation that 'an equal number of Protestants and Catholics should be drawn from the pool of qualified candidates'. The Presbyterian response makes clear its opinion that 'Applicants should not be discriminated against because of their faith tradition or religious commitment. Merit should not be lost sight of as the main requirement for employment within the policing service.'
In its original submission to Patten the Presbyterian Church suggested that the present badge, incorporating crown, harp and shamrock, comprehensively covered various traditions within the Northern Ireland community and did not press for any change in the name but supported the addition of the sub-title 'Northern Ireland Police Service.'
In responding to the Patten recommendations in this area the Church recognises the sensitivity on both sides of the community and affirms that 'the symbols used by the police should facilitate effective policing and a service that is open to different sections of the community.'
'Serious thought needs to be given to whether or not a symbol which recognises and represents diversity is more appropriate in a community, and a policing service, in which a variety of identities exist. The committee is concerned that, in creating something new, particular and diverse identities may be suppressed. At this time when Irish identity is everywhere confidently resurgent, peace will not come if the accommodation of that particular identity means the elimination of British Unionist identity. Parity of esteem does not eliminate diversity.'
However the Committee does suggest that the pain over symbols may be acceptable 'provided those who have remained aloof or hostile to the police now become involved.' But it has a warning. 'If they fail to do that there will be pain without gain. Delay or equivocation in supporting any new arrangements will be dangerous.'
In conclusion the Presbyterian response believes that this community now stands at the crossroads regarding policing. ' It is a choice that will require generosity and courage and will evidence not only the DESIRE for peace, but the WILL to make peace. While we may look to the ashes of the past and wonder if there is still life in them, this particular challenge is to build a future in which the community has a policing service in which and with which all can feel at home.'
The full text of 'The Patten Report: Dilemmas and Decisions' can be found on the Presbyterian Church website at www.PresbyterianIreland.org/Patten.Response.html
Issued by Stephen Lynas, Presbyterian Information Services. Info@PresbyterianIreland.org
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