A statement by the Church of Ireland Bishop of Down and Dromore and the Bishop of Connor regarding the violence at Belfast City Hall
How sad it was to see the violence which took place in different parts of Belfast last night during and after the meeting of Belfast City Council. Whether we agree with the decision to fly the Union Flag on designated days or not, no one has a right to react in ways which abuse or harm other human beings. The awfulness of the situation was heightened by the beauty of the Christmas lights and market on the other side of the City Hall.
The vast majority in Northern Ireland want this province to be the kind of place where all people and traditions are respected, and where there is a good future for our children. Violence like this does nothing to build that kind of community, and has nothing to offer our society. The strongly–held views of people are properly heard through the political process.
Our prayer is that the peace of the Christ–child would speak more powerfully than anything else into our lives and communities at this time, and that healing would come into all the fear, bitterness and uncertainty which lies only just below the surface in our society.
The Rt Revd Harold Miller, Bishop of Down and Dromore
The Rt Revd Alan Abernethy, Bishop of Connor