Church leaders’ reconciliation message at Northern Ireland centenary service
Church leaders have come together to deliver a message of reconciliation at a crosscommunity service to mark the centenary of the formation of Northern Ireland.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Irish Foreign Affairs Minister Simon Coveney were among dignitaries who attended the service at St Patrick's Church of Ireland Cathedral in Armagh.
The event, titled A Service of Reflection and Hope, was organised by the leaders of the main churches.
Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Brandon Lewis, First Minister Paul Givan, DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson, UUP leader Doug Beattie, SDLP leader Colum Eastwood and Alliance leader Naomi Long also attended the service.
Sinn Fein did not send a representative.
The Queen had been set to attend but was unable to travel after she fell ill. She was represented by the Lord-lieutenant of Co Armagh Lord Caledon.
About 150 people attended the service, including a number of schoolchildren.
The sermon was delivered by the president of the Methodist Church in Ireland, Dr Sahr Yambasu. Originally from Sierra Leone, he is the first African-born leader of one of Ireland's main churches.
He said he hoped the event could help people in Northern Ireland to choose a way forward which is beneficial for everyone.
He said: "Today, we are marking a point in our history. We have come a long way - not just
acenturybutcenturies.during that time, people have cared for oneanotherandmadeeffortsto build community.
"But we have also been blighted by sectarian divisions, terrible injustices, destructive violence and by win-lose political attitudes.
"So, this service provides us with an opportunity to give thanks and, also, lament; to imagine what could be and to
choose the way forward that can be mutually beneficial."
The service also heard readings from local schoolchildren who urged political leaders to work together for a better future.
The event became the centre of a row last month after the president of Ireland, Michael D Higgins, declined an invitation to attend because he believed it was not politically neutral.
The Irish government was representedbymrcoveneyand chief whip Jack Chambers.
The service began with the ringing of the cathedral bell before the Dean of Armagh, the Rev Shane Forster, spoke in English and Irish and sent his good wishes to the Queen.
Welcoming the congregation to the service, he said: "Our past has shaped us and scarred us, it has divided us.
And, yet, it has also on occasion brought us together.
"As we lament our failures, sorrows and pain, and recognise our wounded yet living history, may we with a united voice commit ourselves to work together for the common good, in mutual respect and with shared hope for a lightfilled, prosperous and peaceful future."
Catholic Primate of All Ire
land Eamon Martin said: "I reflect as a church leader on the last 100 years.
"I have to face the difficult truth that perhaps we in the churches could have done more to deepen our understanding of each other and to bring healing and peace to our divided and wounded communities."