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Presbyterian Moderator Dr Alastair Dunlop has issued the following statement in response to the present situation:
"Over the next few weeks all sections of the community face a very difficult time. During recent inter-community conflict the police were once again caught in the middle. There is clearly deep-seated mistrust between communities and lack of appreciation of each other's difficulties.
"Some appear to be intent on provoking others into retaliation. Four church buildings have been firebombed, two of them destroyed.
"The declared unwillingness of the IRA to move in any substantial way on the decommissioning of weapons, which continues to be a fundamental moral and political imperative, has deepened a crisis in political life.
"Violence and disorder do serious damage to people, and are neither God-glorifying nor uplifting to society. People matter to God. All people matter. God has made us all in his image. We have all defaced that image through our sin, so there is no room for any concept of being better than other people. In his grace God has sent Jesus Christ to restore the image. Though the cross and resurrection Jesus dealt with sin, and offers peace with God and peace with others. The ground is level at the cross.
"In the name of God who sent Jesus Christ to bring peace to people, regardless of their politics or national identity, I ask that:
- People make choices bearing in mind the needs of neighbours as well as of themselves.
- People at all times abide by the law.
- People show restraint however provoked they may feel, and do not provoke others.
- People who work for peace within and between communities be supported.
- Special prayer be offered in Presbyterian churches this weekend."
Alastair Dunlop
Presbyterian Moderator
Issued by Stephen Lynas, Presbyterian Information Services. Info@PresbyterianIreland.org
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