Yesterday in Stormont House, Belfast, leaders from the main Christian denominations met with the Secretary of State, the Rt Hon Karen Bradley MP, to discuss to discuss restoring devolution. The meeting took place as the Secretary of State also met with the main political parties to discuss restoring devolution.
Following the meeting, the Church leaders said, “We welcomed the opportunity this morning to meet with the Secretary of State as part of the ongoing process of seeking to restore devolution to Northern Ireland.
“Our discussions today came on the back of our meeting with the political parties a week ago, where we discussed our concerns over the impact of the absence of devolved government in Northern Ireland and the importance of relationships and building trust.
“We also impressed upon on the Secretary of State those same concerns, as we did last week with the party leaders, and reiterated our willingness and desire to assist and support where we could in the challenges that lie ahead. We also emphasised the imperative to find space for ongoing dialogue.”
Pictured at the meeting are (left to right) the Moderator, Rt Rev Dr Charles McMullen, Rev William Davison, President of the Methodist Church in Ireland, Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Rt Hon Karen Bradley MP, Rev Trevor Gribben, Clerk of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland and Secretary to the Church Leaders Group, The Most Rev Bishop Noel Treanor, Bishop of Down and Connor representing The Most Rev Eamon Martin, Catholic Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland, Rt Rev John McDowell, Church of Ireland Bishop of Clogher and immediate past president of the Irish Council of Churches (ICC) representing Rev Brian Anderson ICC President and The Most Rev Dr Richard Clarke, Church of Ireland Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland (credit Northern Ireland Office).