TUESDAY'S NEWS

Republican achievements must be acknowledged - Archbishop Eames
(report courtesy of Rev Gregg Ryan of the Church Times)

The demand by Ulster Protestants for clarity of the intentions of others in relation to the peace process must be matched by a recognition of how far republicanism has progressed, Church of Ireland archbishop Dr. Robin Eames told the General Synod on Tuesday.

Dr. Eames said a significant element of the powerlessness on both sides of the community to embrace or welcome change was a desire for the status quo and an urging to hold onto old and failed ways.

“For the Protestant/Unionist population there is an urgent need to find a new confidence. Events have eroded that self-confidence. They must be allowed to move away from the siege mentality, and others can help them by their attitudes, pronouncements and actions to do so. While they demand clarity of others’ intentions they need to recognise how far Irish Nationalism and Republican ism have moved.”

Likewise, he said, the Roman Catholic Nationalist/Republican community need to recognise they are no longer ‘second class citizens’. “There is a need for them to recognise hat genuine goodwill does exist in much of the Protestant community which like theirs has made mistakes in the past.”

A new definition of power must be found for both communities, he said, one which reflects a complete and lasting renunciation of the power of violence. It must apply equally to loyalist and republican paramilitaries, reflecting a new and lasting trust.

“Otherwise we will continue to say farewell to young people of talent and move together into a wasteland of social decay and a society of despair.”

(report courtesy of Rev Gregg Ryan of the Church Times)

Top of Page