The Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland, the Most Rev Dr Robin Eames, has led a delegation of bishops from the Church of Ireland in a key meeting with members of the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) as part of a series of meetings that the Church has held with political parties.
In a statement released after the meeting, the bishops expressed their hopes for continued dialogue.
"It gave us the opportunity for useful dialogue at a time when the political process offers both opportunities and challenges," said the bishops.
They added their hope, "that the DUP would continue a positive dialogue with the Church of Ireland.
During the meeting, the bishops encouraged the ongoing engagement of the DUP "in the difficult process of building a robust and fair political framework for Northern Ireland".
Other issues which arose during meeting included the DUP's plans to engage further with the political process, their proposals to address issues such as economic regeneration, controversial social legislation and issues associated with the review of public administration.
The bishops' meeting with the DUP follows on from a recent meeting held between Church of Ireland bishops and Sinn Fein to discuss the current political situation in Northern Ireland.
The delegation from the Sinn Fein Party was led by the party's President, Gerry Adams, who was urged by the bishops to participate in the structures of democracy as a means to achieve lasting peace and reconciliation in Northern Ireland - something the Church of Ireland has committed itself wholeheartedly to.
Archbishop Eames said the bishops were "engaging in a process of engagement with the political parties in Northern Ireland".
The Church of Ireland Bishops to meet with the DUP included:
The Most Revd Dr Robin Eames, Archbishop of Armagh, Primate of All Ireland
The Right Revd Michael Jackson, Bishop of Clogher
The Right Revd Harold Miller, Bishop of Down and Dromore
The Right Revd Alan Harper, Bishop of Connor
The Right Revd Ken Clarke, Bishop of Kilmore
