PRESS RELEASE
22ND MARCH 2007
Church leaders urge politicians to ‘work towards immediate return of devolved executive’
The leaders of the four main church leaders in Ireland have issued the following statement urging all politicians to work for an immediate return of a devolved executive:
The leaders of the four main Churches in Ireland offer their congratulations to all who have been recently elected to the Northern Ireland Assembly.
Realising the tremendous responsibility you now share in leading our community forward, we express our concern and support for you. We also assure you of our continuing prayers and those of our churches.
The election demonstrated once again a strong desire for local government and we urge all politicians to work for an immediate return of a devolved executive. We recognise that devolved government will only be secure when there is sufficient trust between the parties.
While calling on politicians to build new relationships together, we pledge ourselves also to work within our communities to build greater trust and understanding.
Archbishop Seán Brady
Presbyterian Moderator Rt Rev Dr David Clarke
Archbishop Alan Harper
Methodist President Rev Ivan McElhinney
NOTES TO EDITORS
All Church leaders are available for comment and may be contacted through their respective press officers:
Church of Ireland: Janet Maxwell tel: o:003531 4125 621 m: 003538 7948 5621
Catholic Church: Martin Long tel: o: 003531 505 3000 m: 00353 86 172 7678
Methodist: Roy Cooper tel: h: 028 9181 5959 m: 0771 094 5104
Presbyterian: Stephen Lynas tel: m:07802 264354 o:028 9032 2284 h:028 2827 7325
Further information:
Martin Long Director of Communications (086 172 7678)