Archbishops issue joint statement on Drumcree crisis

The two Archbishops of Armagh have issued a joint statement on the situation at Drumcree today, describing it as a crisis facing the community. Archbishop Eamon Martin, Catholic Archbishop of Armagh, and Archbishop John McDowell, Church of Ireland Archbishop of Armagh said too much was at stake and have called for the urgent creation of a constructive, inclusive and reconciling initiative to find a way through the current difficulties.

In the statement, the Archbishops said they could not think of any time in the last thirty years when their shared message needed to be more urgently heard, given that "so many sincere views, painful histories and important issues are at stake." They asked how we can be good neighbours to each other, and what could be done to "patiently, constructively and positively build on all the sincere and generous efforts over recent years to foster mutual trust and understanding among our different traditions."

The Archbishops said respect for the rule of law, and the use of peaceful and democratic processes, were vital to a stable and democratic society, "even when they are difficult and challenging." They said Christians were also called to ask themselves what was generous, neighbourly, and would build peace and the common good, adding that their "golden rule calls us to turn the other cheek, to go the extra mile and ultimately, to ensure that love of God and neighbour is the core value that determines all our actions and decisions."

They acknowledged their own failings and inadequacies as Church leaders, saying they felt deeply the concerns of the people of Drumcree and the wider community they serve.

The statement said the Archbishops were willing to do all they were asked to guide the feet of all, "in the name, and after the example of Jesus, on the way of peace, and the building up of a better future for all."

Explaining the background to their joint approach, the Archbishops said that as pastors in their different Christian traditions, they had always taken seriously their call, in Christ, to speak and act together when they could, sharing the conviction that the greatest commandment, and the greatest witness anyone could give to the Gospel in today's world, was in love of God and love of neighbour.