Evangelical Alliance Condemns Loyalist Violence in Northern Ireland

A recent meeting of the Executive of the Evangelical Alliance Northern Ireland has condemned last week’s loyalist violence in Northern Ireland.
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The violence in Northern Ireland last week saw around 100 masked loyalist paramilitaries hurling petrol bombs at police on the Ardoyne Road in some of the worst violence to hit the Northern Ireland capital in years.

Stephen Cave, General Secretary of the Evangelical Alliance Northern Ireland said, “We are simply appalled at the continuing violence on the streets, and ashamed that some who share our evangelical faith will not condemn it. As an Alliance, we condemn this behaviour unequivocally.

“There is undoubtedly severe deprivation in many working class areas across our towns and cities. Nevertheless this should never be used to excuse the levels of violence witnessed over the past few days, the fear such violence generates and the communities it has destroyed. Local politicians must demonstrate effective leadership. Portraying the communities they represent solely as victims only serves to abdicate their responsibility for taking positive action against paramilitaries and other forces within society that have contributed to the problems these areas face”.

He continued, “The Orange Order, which on its website claims to be Christ-centred, Bible-based and Church-grounded, has surely moved far from these roots when it calls people on to the streets knowing in all probability that would lead to civil unrest. It is unacceptable that the Order has been slow to speak out or unequivocally condemn the violence that ensued, particularly that perpetrated by its own members.”

The EAUK’s response comes following condemnation also from the Church of Ireland's Rev Dr Robin Eames, Archbishop of Armagh, who said: "I share the deep concern of so many at the turmoil erupting within the Protestant and loyalist community at this time.

"Questions of great importance are being raised, but there is no possible excuse for the attacks on the police, who once again have found themselves in a virtually impossible situation.

"The effort of clergy and others on the ground to defuse the tensions must be recognised, and I appeal for calm throughout our community at this time."

Presbyterian Moderator Dr Harry Uprichard also said he was “appalled by the widespread rioting that has spread across Belfast and beyond and shocked by its violence and ferocity.”

He called on anyone with influence to use this to “diffuse tension and do all they can to return calm to our communities.”

He added: “Anyone with influence should use it to diffuse tension and do all they can to return calm to our communities.”

The Evangelical Alliance also emphasised that churches and Christian organisations had to take their responsibilities seriously to call all within their membership and congregations to live in harmony with one another. The Evangelical Alliance leaders also called for people to show proper respect to everyone, even with those that they may disagree with.

However, in the midst of the desperate situation that has arisen in Northern Ireland, the Alliance has stated that does see hope for the future. This hope is seen, it says, through the works of the hundreds of churches and organisations with which they communicate and work with.

One member organisation of the Alliance, Youth for Christ Northern Ireland has recently set up a safe meeting place in the heart of Ballysillan, North Belfast called “The Blue Houses”. It has been established in an area particularly known for the history of sectarian conflict over the past 30 years. The “Blue Houses” project will aim to protect the physical, material, emotional and spiritual needs of the community there.

A YFC Northern Ireland spokesperson said, “Our aim is to provide a centre where young people can meet each other in a safe and caring environment, free from sectarianism, where Christian principles are self-evident. The centre is a place where we can build relationships and through these demonstrate God's love by the way we live.”