A ‘shared future’ must include everybody – bishop

A “shared future” between different religious communities in the North of Ireland is only possible if we “include everybody” Derry’s bishop, Donal McKeown, has said.

The comments come in the wake of criticism the bishop received by DUP MP Gregory Campbell, after he spoke about the ongoing sectarian rioting taking place across Derry leading up to and following July 12 celebrations.

Speaking at the Unity of Purpose public rally in Derry’s Fahan Street on July 14, the bishop said that the week had been a “stressful” time for the community and that “angry words have been used on various sides”.

Commenting on the rioters, the bishop said: “And those of us in comparatively comfortable positions of leadership need to remember that a lot of our fellow citizens feel left out.  They do not see the last 20 years as having benefitted them.

“Some communities that suffered much in the past are still suffering disadvantage.  There are young people who feel life is passing them by and looking down on them.”

He added that it is important communities focus on building bridges, and that everyone has “something unique and valuable to contribute to a better future”.

In response to his comments, DUP’s Gregory Campbell accused the bishop of “giving a rationale for rioters” after referring to them as young people whose life is passing them by.

“Many people who are law abiding and raising families, despite lots of disadvantages, are deeply concerned at the bishop’s comments which, however well meaning, could be interpreted as a rationale for rioters.

“…We must give no grounds whatsoever for a belief that law breakers have cover from someone trying to explain their motives in a way they can take justification from,” Mr Campbell said.

The bishop did not want to be drawn on the substance of Mr Campbell’s remarks, but said that a shared future requires that no one is excluded.

“If we want to have a shared future, it means we have to include everybody, wherever they are or whoever they are. We can’t have a shared future if it only includes some people,” Dr McKeown said.