In a statement, the Roman Catholic and Church of Ireland Archbishops of Armagh, the Moderator of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland, and the Presidents of the Methodist Church in Ireland, and the Irish Council of Churches, said that they recognised that these were detailed and complex proposals.
“We welcome the fact that substantial proposals on how to deal with the legacy of the past in Northern Ireland have been issued today. We urge that the Framework documents be closely considered by all who have an interest in how justice and truth can best be served. Above all, we owe it to the victims and survivors to ensure that their needs are met with compassion and thoroughness.
“It is noteworthy that the Legacy Framework is the result of cooperation between the Government of the United Kingdom and the Government of Ireland and will require legislation in both jurisdictions for it to be put into effect. Just as importantly, it will need the continued cooperation and good will of both Governments and of all of us to carry it forward,” the Church Leaders said.
“Like other groups in wider society, we will examine and consider the Framework in greater detail over the weeks ahead, together, and in our individual denominations. In doing so we will continue to support and pray for all victims and survivors who have waited for decades with great dignity and patience for helpful structures to be put in place.”
The Church Leaders concluded by saying, “Addressing the legacy of the past remains a complex, yet vital, responsibility for all of us on these islands. While no framework or legislation will by itself achieve reconciliation, it can open the path to ongoing restoration of relationships and building of trust.”
The statement was issued in the names of the Most Rev John McDowell, Church of Ireland Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland, the Most Rev Eamon Martin, Roman Catholic Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland, the Rt Rev Dr Trevor Gribben, Moderator of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland, Rev Alan Wardlow, President of the Methodist Church in Ireland and Rt Rev Sarah Groves, President of the Irish Council of Churches.
Church Leaders’ Group (Ireland)
The Church Leaders Group (Ireland) came into existence in the late 1960s when the Church Leaders recognised the value in working together in light of the urgency of political developments of the time. Since then, those holding these offices have met frequently, united in their identity as disciples of Jesus and their shared commitment to work together for the common good.