Ireland: Catholic and Protestant Archbishops pray for peace

Source: Archdiocese of Armagh

Archbishop Eamon Martin and Archbishop John McDowell are inviting people across the island Ireland - and beyond - to pray the Prayer of Saint Francis this weekend at home, at Mass and at services.

In a newly recorded video, the two archbishops jointly recite the Prayer for Peace of Saint Francis. Their invitation comes as the community faces the ongoing crisis at Drumcree.

In the following joint statement, released in tandem with their video, the Catholic and Church of Ireland Archbishops of Armagh, stated:

"We recognise that sincere views, painful histories and important issues that are at stake. We ask a question that reaches beyond the immediate situation: 'How can we be good neighbours to each other?' We are calling on everyone to build patiently on the efforts already made to foster mutual trust and understanding between different traditions. We also affirm the importance of respecting the rule of law and using peaceful, democratic processes, while asking Christians to consider what is generous and neighbourly, and what helps build peace and the common good."

The Archbishops continued, "We acknowledge the real hurt left by past violence, and the fragility of the present situation. We caution against language that inflames division and urge people to make space for a peaceful way forward. We call for an urgent, constructive, inclusive and reconciling initiative to help find a way through this crisis. We again acknowledge our own failings, while we also feel deeply about the concerns of people in Drumcree and the wider community. We remain willing to help guide people towards peace and a better future for all."

"We ask all Christians, and all people of good will, on the island and beyond, to pray for peace, healing and reconciliation at this time. The significance of the Prayer of Saint Francis is that it asks for the grace to bring love where there is hatred, pardon where there is offence, and hope where there is despair. This prayer offers a way to pray, and a challenge to live: to let the love of God and neighbour shape our words and actions," concluded Archbishops Eamon Martin and John McDowell.

Watch the short video of Archbishops Eamon Martin and John McDowell inviting people across the island of Ireland and beyond to join them as they jointly recite the Prayer for Peace of Saint Francis of Assisi: https://youtu.be/ZUokTn7uuPM