Downpatrick church leaders speak with one voice
The Dean of Down and the Rector of Down Parish together with all the other church leaders in Downpatrick have spoken of the inclusive message of Ireland's Patron Saint.
"The leaders of all the churches in Downpatrick are looking forward to sharing together in the celebrations for St Patrick's Day.
This year we are focusing on the theme A Shared Past and A Shared Future
and stressing how Patrick can be a symbol of unity for all of us.
We look back to the message he brought - God’s love for all.
We recognize that
all
Christians acknowledge that he first brought the faith to Ireland and we pray that sharing a common faith (although expressing it in different ways) we may work together for the future.
We are disappointed when we hear of Patrick being claimed or perceived as being for only one part of the community because we believe his message and the celebrations of his day is for everyone. Likewise we are together in our commitment to move forward into a shared future inclusive of all and pray that all who share that vision will work for the good of the whole community."
Note
Downpatrick Churches Together represents all the churches in Downpatrick and the leaders are:
Revd Stuart Burns (Down Parish)
Revd Ross Harte (Downpatrick Methodist Church)
Very Revd Henry Hull (Down cathedral)
Revd Harry Robinson (Downpatrick Presbyterian Church)
Very Revd Canon Sean Rogan (St Patrick’s Roman Catholic Church)
Revd David Steers (Downpatrick Non-subscribing Presbyterian Church)
Pastor Joe White (Downpatrick Baptist Church)