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The Taoiseach has met church leaders over recent violence in the North.<\/p>\nThe Taoiseach has met church leaders over recent violence in the North.<\/p>\n
Miche\u00e1l Martin praised the leaders of the largest congregations on the island for their \u201congoing contribution to peace building\u201d, and recognized the work that churches undertake on a daily basis at community levels.<\/p>\n
A Government spokesman said the Taoiseach had a \u201cvery constructive discussion\u201d with Catholic Primate Eamon Martin, Church of Ireland Archbishop John McDowell, Presbyterian Moderator David Bruce, President of the Methodist Church in Ireland Tom McKnight and President of the Irish Council of Churches Ivan Patterson.<\/p>\n
They \u201cshared concern\u201d following more than a week of successive nights of violent scenes across the North.<\/p>\n
The violence was attributed to aggravation felt at post-Brexit arrangements as well as the lack of prosecution of members of Sinn F\u00e9in over alleged Covid-19 rule breaches at a funeral last year, as well as increasing feelings of alienation among loyalists.<\/p>\n
Mr Martin and the church leaders agreed the causes of the violence are \u201ccomplex\u201d, and urged that \u201ccalm, measured and positive leadership be exercised at every level \u2013 political, civic and community, for all the people of Northern Ireland\u201d.<\/p>\n
The decade of significant centenaries was also discussed, with an agreement to promote a \u201csensitive, inclusive and respectful approach\u201d.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, in reference to ongoing pandemic restrictions, the church leaders said they looked forward to church services being able to resume.<\/p>\n