Northern Ireland: Protestant and Catholic leaders issue joint statement on crisis in Drumcree

Archbishop Eamon Martin, Catholic Archbishop of Armagh, Archbishop John McDowell, Church of Ireland Archbishop of Armagh. Image: CCO archive

Source: Catholic Communications Office

Archbishop Eamon Martin, Catholic Archbishop of Armagh, and Archbishop John McDowell, Church of Ireland Archbishop of Armagh have issued the following statement this evening in response to the situation unfolding in Drumcree in Portadown, Northern Ireland, after a controversial Orange Order parade was given late-night legal clearance to march down the mainly nationalist Garvaghy Road for the first time in nearly 30 years.

Hundreds of nationalist protesters have formed a blockade on the Garvaghy Road to prevent the march, bringing the region to a tense standstill reminiscent of the Troubles-era flashpoints of the 1990s.

The Archbishops write:

As Archbishops and Pastors in our different Christian traditions, we have always taken seriously our call, in Christ, to speak and act together when we can. We do this because we share the conviction that the greatest commandment, and the greatest witness anyone can give to the Gospel in our world today, is in love of God and love of neighbour.

As our community faces the crisis in Drumcree today, in which so many sincere views, painful histories and important issues are at stake, we cannot think of any time in the last thirty years when this simple message needs to be more urgently heard. How can we be good neighbours to each other? What can we do to patiently, constructively and positively build on all the sincere and generous efforts over recent years to foster mutual trust and understanding among our different traditions?

Respect for the rule of law, and use of peaceful and democratic processes are vital to a stable and democratic society, even when they are difficult and challenging. As Christians, we are also called to ask ourselves what is generous, what is neighbourly, what builds up peace and the common good among us? As disciples of Jesus, our golden rule calls us to turn the other cheek, to go the extra mile and ultimately, to ensure that love of God and neighbour is the core value that determines all our actions and decisions.

As Church leaders, we are profoundly aware of our own failings and inadequacies. Imperfect as we may be, we feel deeply the concerns of the people of Drumcree and the wider community that we serve.

We are willing to do all that we are asked to guide the feet of all, in the name, and after the example of Jesus, on the way of peace, and the building up of a better future for all. We call for the urgent creation of a constructive, inclusive and reconciling initiative to patiently find a way through this current crisis. Too much is at stake.