Presbyterian Moderator Dr Ivan McKay has called for an end to the litany of attacks on elderly people, school children, members of the District Policing Partnerships and minority communities.
Addressing the Presbyterian Church's General Board the Moderator said that 'these activities must stop. We encourage the Police to make every effort to bring to justice all who continue to inflict this suffering on our community and we urge all our people to give full support to the PSNI in this task'.
A report presented to the Board referring directly to the attacks on members of the DPP's continued that 'It is unacceptable that intimidation should be practised against anyone, but particularly so against those whose role ģis to consult with the community, establish local policing priorities in conjunction with the PSNI District Commander and monitor police performance against a local policing plan'.
'For its part the PSNI is working hard to earn the support of everyone. It is time for both sides of our community to work together, responsibly and constructively, to deliver an ever-improving police service. It is high time for the republican movement to participate in the Policing Board and the DPPs.'
The report also deplored attacks on older people describing them as 'a serious abuse of their human rights. The elderly deserve the respect and protection of society as a whole, including the allocation of sufficient policing resources to enable them to be reassured.'
Accepting the report, the General Board has called on all citizens of both parts of Ireland to be 'good neighbours' to all, but especially to members of minority communities.
It also expressed its 'deep concern at the increasing hostility towards and attacks upon members of minority communities in Ireland.'
In particular the Board condemned recent attacks on the Muslim community together with actions and attitudes which it said 'have spread fear and distress.'
The General Board was responding to an earlier report from the Church's Inter Church Relations Board which warned of 'creating misunderstandings in communities which could be used by malevolent individuals or groups as excuses for their displays of prejudice.'
'All people are made in the image of God' said the General Board statement. 'All deserve respect, protection and care. The Gospel of Jesus Christ calls all citizens of both parts of Ireland to be good neighbours to all, especially to members of minority communities.'
Issued by Stephen Lynas, Presbyterian Information Services. Info@PresbyterianIreland.org
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