Church leaders appeal for special day of prayer

The four main churches in Northern Ireland have issued a united call for a special day of prayer aimed at helping political leaders to get the Good Friday Agreement back on track.

As British Prime Minister Tony Blair and Taoiseach Bertie Ahern draw up a new package of proposals aimed at breaking the current political deadlock, Church leaders have appealed to their congregations to reflect on issues and decisions relating to the peace process, and to say special prayers this Sunday for the politicians involved.

Church of Ireland Primate Dr Robin Eames said that church-goers had a duty to pray for those charged with such a heavy responsibility, while Catholic Archbishop of Armagh, Dr Sean Brady called on “all people of goodwill” to get involved in a process of serious reflection, adding that the “long-term future and wellbeing of us all is at stake”.

Northern Ireland Secretary John Reid has reiterated the commitment made by both the British and Irish Governments to finding an acceptable outcome to the stalled implementation of the Agreement, despite an ever-increasing lack of optimism expressed by the political parties involved.

Mr Reid added: “If it is not successful, we will have to cross that bridge when we come to it. Certainly the two governments have a common mind on what it is necessary to do and as soon as we have got it finished we will put it to the parties.” (CL)