Northern Ireland church leaders call for prayers for new government

Published: 2007-05-09

DUBLIN, Ireland (CNS) -- Christian leaders in Northern Ireland have encouraged citizens to pray for the success of the region's fledgling Catholic-Protestant power-sharing government. Archbishop Sean Brady of Armagh issued a statement with the heads of the Anglican, Presbyterian and Methodist churches, calling May 8 a "historic day" when enemies joined together to form the power-sharing government. The new government returns home rule to Northern Ireland after a five-year suspension. "We recognize that much work still remains if all people in Northern Ireland are to share the future together," they said. "We are especially aware of those for whom the pain of the past is a constant living reality." The religious leaders, who have been instrumental in persuading members of the paramilitaries to decommission their weapons, said they wanted to "invite Christian people to give thanks to God for all that has been accomplished and to pray that guidance and courage might be given to those who lead our community in the days ahead."

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