Statement of Bishop Seámus Hegarty, Bishop of Derry, following the murder of a police officer in Omagh

02 Apr 2011

PRESS RELEASE

2 April 2011

Statement of Bishop Seámus Hegarty, Bishop of Derry, following the murder of a police officer in Omagh

I am shocked by the bombing in Omagh, in which a young police officer was murdered.  This gravely sinful killing is an offence against God, who created this young man in his own image and likeness, and it is a profound rejection of the fundamental Christian teaching that all human life is sacred.

I express my sincere sympathy to the young man’s family and friends and his colleagues in the PSNI.  For his family in particular, this is a time of terrible pain and loss.  May Christ sustain them in these difficult days.

This crime, against a man who served and protected the public, is a
crime against all in our society.   The police, who serve and protect
us, are deserving of our support.  I reiterate my support, both personally and as the Bishop of the Diocese of Derry, for those who serve the community as police officers and the right of young men and women to join the police.

I call upon anyone with information regarding this brutal killing to provide that information to the police.

I call upon those who have set their faces against God, through this gravely sinful act, to repent of their sin.

+Séamus Hegarty
Bishop of Derry

Further information:

Catholic Communications Office Maynooth: Martin Long 00353 (0) 86 172 7678