Evangelical Alliance Northern Ireland Warns Against Continued Violence

Last Thursday’s statement by the IRA to make its ceasefire permanent has been met with a lukewarm reception by a leading Northern Ireland church group.

The Evangelical Alliance Northern Ireland has called on its members to continue praying for what it called “genuine peace”. General Secretary Stephen Cave said today “any instruction from the IRA leadership to its members ordering them to cease their armed campaign should be given a cautious welcome.”

Mr Cave said that words alone were not enough, and stressed that the IRA statement “must be verified by visible and verifiable action.”

He added: “It must not be used to excuse the low-level criminality which continues to permeate our society on all sides.

“The restoration of trust, honesty and integrity to the political process is the responsibility of all political parties in Northern Ireland, and both the governments.”

This warning reiterated that of Archbishop of Ireland Robin Eames who urged the Irish Republicans to back up their moral imperative by actions.

He and others have welcomed the development, however, saying, “Any moves which will remove the threat of terrorism and violence from the entire community must be welcomed.”

He went on to say “The IRA statement could herald the beginning of a period of transition from violence to peaceful and democratic co-existence.”

The Pope hailed the decision as “beautiful news”.