The Leaders the of the Church of Ireland, the Roman Catholic Church, and the Methodist and Presbyterian Churches in Ireland met the President of Ireland, Michael D Higgins, today at Áras an Uachtaráin in Dublin.
Afterwards, the Church Leaders issued the following statement:
“We were delighted to accept the President’s invitation and very much welcomed the opportunity to spend time with him in what has been a focussed, but relaxed and informal conversation across a wide range of issues. The context for today’s meeting was our shared commitment to reconciliation and peacebuilding on the island of Ireland. While recognising the obvious challenges, we acknowledged that the important and vital work of peace is still an unfinished work, but one we are all committed to actively pursuing for the common good of all the people of Ireland.
“We were also keen to discuss together the difficult economic situation and its impact across the island. At the same time we spoke of its wider international implications, especially for the Global South, when coupled with the devastating effects of climate change and famine, including in the Horn of Africa, which is particularly close to the President’s heart.
“At the start of this Advent Season, when as disciples of Jesus Christ we look forward to celebrating the arrival of the Prince of Peace, it was positive and worthwhile to meet with the President and his wife Sabina today.”
Attending today’s meeting were the Rt Rev Andrew Forster, President of the Irish Council of Churches (and Church of Ireland Bishop of Derry and Raphoe); the Rt Rev Dr John Kirkpatrick, Moderator of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland; 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; and the Rev David Nixon, President of the Methodist Church in Ireland.
Also in attendance were the Co–Secretaries of the Church Leaders’ Group (Ireland) – the Rev Trevor Gribben, Clerk of the General Assembly and General Secretary of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland; and the Rev Dr Heather Morris, General Secretary of the Methodist Church in Ireland.
The Church Leaders Group comprises the Church of Ireland and Roman Catholic Primates of All Ireland, the Moderator of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland, the President of the Methodist Church in Ireland and the President of the Irish Council of Churches.
