Statement by Bishop Noel Treanor in response to the murder of David Black

05 Nov 2012

Statement by Bishop Noel Treanor in response to the murder of David Black

1 November 2012

I condemn the vicious and callous murder of David Black, a Prison Officer, carried out this morning as he travelled to work.

This brutal and violent attack threatens and undermines the overwhelming commitment of citizens and families within our community to building a society based on justice and peace.

I extend my sympathy to his wife and children in their grief, and also to his family, relatives and friends in this dark hour.

My thoughts and prayers are also with his colleagues in the prison service.

I appeal to anyone with any information on this murder to contact the PSNI.

In the face of this heinous crime let us all resolve to support the rule of law, to recognize the destructive evil of violence and to maintain our commitment to democracy rather than resorting to any form of violence.

Our present and our future are not and cannot be built upon the pursuit of violence.

+Noel Treanor
Bishop of Down and Connor

ENDS