Church of Ireland Bishops Hold Meeting with Sinn Fein

A delegation of the Bishops of Church of Ireland led by the Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland, the Most Rev Dr Robin Eames, has met with Sinn Fein at the Parliament Buildings at Stormont in Northern Ireland Monday 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.

Both sides exchanged views on the current political situation in Northern Ireland and avenues for progress in what the Bishops called a "positive meeting".

The Church of Ireland Bishops addressed the urgent need to make political progress, which they said could only be achieved by full and equal participation in and commitment to the structures of democracy.

Explaining the motive behind the meeting between the Church of Ireland Bishops and Sinn Fein, Archbishop Eames said the Bishops were "engaging in a process of engagement with the political parties in Northern Ireland".

"The Bishops view the current political situation as an opportunity for progress towards democratic structures to serve the whole community in Northern Ireland," he said.

"The Bishops stated their belief that political and social progress can only be achieved by full and equal participation in the structures of democracy with support for policing," Archbishop Eames outlined.

"The Bishops strongly encourage the Sinn Fein Party in its plans to consult on this issue with those providing its political mandate. Recognising the differences that people have in addressing this question, the Bishops appeal to all to consider the issue with great care."

Both delegations exchanged views on a wide range of issues, including collusion, the issue of the disappeared and concern regarding parades. A range of social justice issues was addressed including education, the Church's initiative on child poverty, the review of public administration, water charges, rates and health issues, as well as concerns about suicides in Northern Ireland.

"As Bishops, we have stated our own commitment to articulating the values of fairness and equality at every level of community life. We acknowledge the ongoing existence of sectarianism within all parts of our society and our responsibility to give leadership within our own Church and beyond to end such practices," he said.

The Bishops assured that the Church of Ireland would continue its long-term commitment to the peace process in Northern Ireland.

"The Bishops have committed the Church to ongoing participation in processes that will achieve peace and reconciliation between the communities in Northern Ireland."

The Church of Ireland delegation included the Most Rev Dr Robin Eames, Archbishop of Armagh, Primate of All Ireland; the Rt Rev Alan Harper, Bishop of Connor; the Rt Rev Michael Jackson, Bishop of Clogher; the Rt Rev Ken Good, Bishop of Derry and Raphoe; the Rt Rev Ken Clarke, Bishop of Kilmore.