Speaking after a Presbyterian delegation met with representatives of Sinn Fein in a 90 minutes meeting at Stormont today Wednesday 22 November, Moderator Dr David Clarke made the following comments.
"Today's meeting with Sinn Fein was another in the long series that the Presbyterian Church has engaged in with local political parties and governments over many years. Indeed the first public meeting between a Presbyterian Moderator and the President of Sinn Fein took place as long ago as 1999.
"Through these meetings we hope to be supportive of dialogue and encourage politicians to work through the pragmatic politics that are involved in reaching agreement.
"As a Church we have recognised the progressive steps taken by all parties including Sinn Fein towards the return of a devolved administration.
"However in our discussions today we re-emphasised the continued deep hurt still felt by many Presbyterians who have suffered because the violence of the last 30 years.
"Today we particularly encouraged Sinn Fein to give their total support to policing. This not only reflects the view of the Presbyterian community at present but recognises a firmly held conviction of the Church."
Accompanying the Moderator were Dr Donald Watts, Clerk of the General Assembly, Rev Alan Boal, co-convener of the Presbyterian Church and Society Committee, Rev Philip Wilson, Rev Jim Gordon, Rev Norman Hamilton and Miss Karen Jardine.
Issued by Stephen Lynas, Presbyterian Information Services. Info@PresbyterianIreland.org
PCI Home . . . Press Office . . . News Archive