Service marks centenary of N.Ireland
CHURCH leaders have come together to deliver a message of reconciliation at a cross-community 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 LordLieutenant 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 mutually beneficial for everyone.
He said: “Today, we are marking a point in our history. We have come a long way - not just a century but centuries.
“During that time, people have cared for one another and made efforts to 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 the event because he believed it was not politically neutral.