Church leaders call for spirit of hope 100 years on from Messines
A statement by Irish Church leaders has called for a spirit of hope and on–going peace–building when talks aimed at restoring the Northern Ireland Assembly and powering–sharing Executive resume after today’s UK General Election.
Archbishop Richard Clarke (Church of Ireland), Archbishop Eamon Martin (Catholic Church),the Revd Bill Mullally (President of the Methodist Church in Ireland) and the Very Revd Dr Frank Sellar (former Moderator of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland) were in Belgium yesterday (june 7) for centenary commemorations marking the Battle of Messines.
The battle, fought in 1917, was the first time that soldiers from both traditions in Ireland, unionist and nationalist, fought side–by–side in the conflict.
Yesterday’s commemorations recalled the tragedy and futility of war and the searing pain and loss which Irish people, from all walks of life, encountered one hundred years ago at the Battle of Messines.
The Church leaders joint–statement read: “At this time in 2017, when talks among the political parties in Northern Ireland have been postponed until after the UK General Election tomorrow, it seems like an appropriate moment to draw on the words of the Peace Pledge at the Island of Ireland Peace Park at Messines: ‘We appeal to all people in Ireland to help build a peaceful and tolerant society. Let us remember the solidarity and trust that developed between Protestant and Catholic soldiers when they served together in these trenches ‘…
“We affirm that a fitting tribute to the principles for which men and women from the island of Ireland died in both World Wars would be permanent peace.
“It is our hope and prayer that the elected representatives of the people of Northern Ireland will all do their utmost to build bridges, overcome differences and find constructive ways forward to build on the peace which has been established at home and to continue through the devolved Assembly to provide leadership for the good of all the people of Northern Ireland, irrespective of political or religious background, in the days, months and years ahead.”