Chai Brady
Stormont Continued failure to restore a devolved government in Northern Ireland “drains hope from our society” Church leaders have said in a New Year message.
Archbishop Eamon Martin, along with the heads of Ireland’s Christian churches, said it is the vulnerable that suffer the most as the ongoing stalemate enters its third year.
The situation “has meant an ever increasing pressure on our schools, our hospitals, our welfare system and many other aspects of society’s infrastructure,” they said in a joint statement.
The vulnerable and the marginalised affected by this “should be at the forefront of our thoughts and prayers as we enter into a New Year”.
The prelates are urging political parties in the North of Ireland to do the same as lay Christians who are reacting to the needs of their communities and “make a difference and bring a sense of hope”.
Caring
“Up and down the island, neighbours are looking out for neighbours. Ordinary people, community and church groups are caring for those in need,” they said.
“People of good intent are stepping up to the mark and giving positive leadership on the ground, working for the common good. In villages and towns across the island political, church and community leaders are making a difference at a local level.”
The church leaders said they were “encouraged by the willingness” of representatives from the five most prominent political parties in the North to meet with them in September last year.
A series of regional meetings is underway bringing politicians, communities and church leaders together to “build relationships and foster mutual understanding”.
Such initiatives can bring “glimmers of hope”, the Church leaders said.
“For that we want to give thanks – it’s always better to light a candle than simply to curse the darkness.”
Worries
Looking at fears surrounding Brexit for businesspeople and citizens, the Church leaders said it has added to worries about the future as many people around the world and in Ireland suffer and “lack a sense of security”.
However, the Christmas message brings “us our ultimate hope, for it is the Lord Jesus Christ who remains the hope of the world”, they said.
“At the start of this New Year, may we put our trust in Him – as we look to Him in simple faith and in His name seek to bring hope and light to our local community and to this our island home.”