‘Shared hope for a peaceful future’ – service marks Northern Ireland centenary
Church leaders send message of reconciliation as British and Irish leaders attended the church service 100 years on from the establishment of Northern Ireland.
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Irish Foreign Minister Simon Coveney TD speak with a dignitary outside St Patrick's Cathedral.
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Political and religious leaders from all sides have gathered in Northern Ireland to mark one hundred years since the province was formed.
Boris Johnson was joined by Irish foreign minister Simon Coveney at St Patrick’s Cathedral in Armagh for a service organised by leaders from different churches.
Church leaders gave messages of reconciliation and hope in a service which reflected on Northern Ireland’s history of sectarian violence.
However, there were notable absences from the Queen, the Irish President and Sinn Fein representatives.
Catholic Primate of All Ireland Eamon Martin was one of the service’s organisers. Source: AP Photos/Peter Morrison
Opening the ceremony, the Dean of Armagh the Rev Shane Forster spoke in both English and Irish.
He called the service a chance to “recognise our wounded yet living history” and to show “a shared hope for a light-filled, prosperous, peaceful future.”
‘We could have done more’
Church leaders from all communities reflected on Northern Ireland’s history of sectarian conflict.
Presbyterian minister David Bruce said he “grieved” when “fear held us back”.
Catholic Primate of All Ireland Eamon Martin said the failure of religious leaders to stop fighting was a “difficult truth”.
He said faith leaders “perhaps could have done more… to bring healing and peace to our divided and wounded communities.”
Founded in 1921, Northern Ireland suffered decades of sectarian violence known as The Troubles.
More than 3,500 people died, over half of whom were citizens.
Conspicuous absences
Leaders from the UK, the Republic of Ireland and across Northern Irish politics attended the service.
Along with Mr Johnson and Mr Coveney, representatives from most of Northern Ireland’s political parties joined the congregation, including First Minister Paul Givan and DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson.
Simon Coveney was one of two Irish government officials to attend, after President Higgins declined. Source: AP Photos/Peter Morrison
However, the build up to the service was overshadowed by notable absences from Ireland and the UK.
Irish President Michael D Higgins declined to attend the ceremony because he felt it would not be politically neutral.
Sinn Fein also declined to attend.
Meanwhile on Wednesday, the Queen cancelled her visit to Northern Ireland on medical advice.
Buckingham Palace said the 95-year-old monarch had “reluctantly accepted” doctors’ advice to rest for a few days at Windsor Castle.
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Headline‘Shared hope for a peaceful future’ – service marks Northern Ireland centenary
Short HeadlineNorthern Ireland centenary marked by leaders
StandfirstChurch leaders send message of reconciliation as British and Irish leaders attended the church service 100 years on from the establishment of Northern Ireland.
Political and religious leaders from all sides have gathered in Northern Ireland to mark one hundred years since the province was formed.
Boris Johnson was joined by Irish foreign minister Simon Coveney at St Patrick’s Cathedral in Armagh for a service organised by leaders from different churches.
Church leaders gave messages of reconciliation and hope in a service which reflected on Northern Ireland’s history of sectarian violence.
However, there were notable absences from the Queen, the Irish President and Sinn Fein representatives.
Catholic Primate of All Ireland Eamon Martin was one of the service’s organisers. Source: AP Photos/Peter Morrison
Opening the ceremony, the Dean of Armagh the Rev Shane Forster spoke in both English and Irish.
He called the service a chance to “recognise our wounded yet living history” and to show “a shared hope for a light-filled, prosperous, peaceful future.”
‘We could have done more’
Church leaders from all communities reflected on Northern Ireland’s history of sectarian conflict.
Presbyterian minister David Bruce said he “grieved” when “fear held us back”.
Catholic Primate of All Ireland Eamon Martin said the failure of religious leaders to stop fighting was a “difficult truth”.
He said faith leaders “perhaps could have done more… to bring healing and peace to our divided and wounded communities.”
Founded in 1921, Northern Ireland suffered decades of sectarian violence known as The Troubles.
More than 3,500 people died, over half of whom were citizens.
Conspicuous absences
Leaders from the UK, the Republic of Ireland and across Northern Irish politics attended the service.
Along with Mr Johnson and Mr Coveney, representatives from most of Northern Ireland’s political parties joined the congregation, including First Minister Paul Givan and DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson.
Simon Coveney was one of two Irish government officials to attend, after President Higgins declined. Source: AP Photos/Peter Morrison
However, the build up to the service was overshadowed by notable absences from Ireland and the UK.
Irish President Michael D Higgins declined to attend the ceremony because he felt it would not be politically neutral.
Sinn Fein also declined to attend.
Meanwhile on Wednesday, the Queen cancelled her visit to Northern Ireland on medical advice.
Buckingham Palace said the 95-year-old monarch had “reluctantly accepted” doctors’ advice to rest for a few days at Windsor Castle.
