From The Most Revd Dr Richard Clarke, Archbishop of Armagh, and The Most Revd Dr Michael Jackson, Archbishop of Dublin, and at the request of the Standing Committee of the General Synod of the Church of Ireland:
This year at Easter time many will be marking the centenary of the 1916 Rising in Dublin including the opportunities provided at public events of commemoration. We are mindful that there will also be people grieving or remembering the loss of loved ones as a result of violence, either very recently indeed or in the past. We wish to uphold in prayer those who have been hurt by conflict and we pray also that all across this island commit themselves to peace at this time.
In remembering the past, we must not glorify violence or engage in acts of hatred but seek at all times to work for the common good as citizens who care for neighbours across differences and divisions. As the Church Leaders jointly stated at the beginning of this year, may our memories and commemorations of the past, alongside our hopes and longings for the future, strengthen our resolve to live together in harmony, trusting in the Lord Jesus Christ.