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Church leaders have published their 2025 New Year's message with their aspiration being that the language of hurt and division is confined to the past so that the words we use, and the actions we undertake, may be focused on love rather than hate, peace rather than war and light rather than darkness.
‘For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope.’ Jeremiah 29:11
The dawn of a new year gives us cause to reflect on the past twelve months and to look forward, with a little trepidation and excitement, to what lies ahead. It is hard to believe that in 2025 we will mark a quarter of a century since the new millennium began. At that time there was much fear that on the stroke of midnight on New Year’s Eve 1999 all computer technology, and indeed the world, would grind to a halt and everything as we knew it, would end.
Those fears were thankfully unfounded yet the world we had hoped to see emerging in this new era, with people living at peace with their neighbours, and with more kindness and respect, has sadly not been realised. Instead, we are now living on a planet that is shrouded in the darkness, pain and sorrow of war and violence in so many different places. Calls for peace, reconciliation and love for our neighbours have been ignored or unheard.
In Northern Ireland we are grateful to have witnessed the restoration of devolved government in the last year, with the Executive and the Assembly sitting once more at Stormont. In coming weeks, it is hoped that a new Irish Government will be formed, following the November Irish General Election. The new UK Government is also slowly bedding in and nearing the completion of its first six months in power.
To govern means making decisions and often difficult choices. We continue to pray for all who hold positions of responsibility in this land and throughout the world, that they may be acutely aware of the needs of all people and especially of the poor, neglected and underprivileged, mindful particularly of the high rates of child poverty.
We will have failed our children and grandchildren if we do not work strenuously to help and support the needs of the next generation, which may mean being prepared to have less for ourselves so that they may have something. May we all, in our call to serve one another, provide a voice for the voiceless and work tirelessly for healing and peace locally and internationally, offering help, hope and encouragement to those who will come after us.
The poet T.S. Eliot wrote, ‘For last year’s words belong to last year’s language. And next year’s words await another voice. And to make an end is to make a beginning.’ As we begin a new year may the language of hurt and division be confined to the past so that the words we use, and the actions we undertake, may be focused on love rather than hate, peace rather than war, light rather than darkness.
We believe that our beginnings and our endings are in Jesus Christ. In faith we never journey alone, for He is our guide and the voice of truth and hope. May we all journey well in 2025, and ‘May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.’ Romans 15:13.
The Most Revd Eamon Martin
Catholic Archbishop of Armagh & Primate of All Ireland
The Most Revd John McDowell
Church of Ireland Archbishop of Armagh & Primate of All Ireland
The Rt Revd Dr Richard Murray
Moderator of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland
The Revd Dr John Alderdice
President of the Methodist Church in Ireland
The Rt Revd Sarah Groves
President of the Irish Council of Churches
