Church leaders welcome IRA apology

Church leaders in the North have welcomed yesterday’s apology from the IRA to innocent civilians killed in its 30-war campaign.

Church leaders in the North have welcomed yesterday’s apology from the IRA to innocent civilians killed in its 30-war against campaign.

The Church of Ireland Primate, Archbishop Robin Eames, said: "Every step, no matter how faltering or restricted, towards a recognition of the evils and hurt of the past must be welcomed."

Patrick Walsh, the Catholic Bishop of Down and Connor echoed his remarks, saying: "While it is understandable for some that this statement does not go far enough, nevertheless it should be welcomed as a very significant further step in meeting the challenges and difficulties of the peace process."

Winston Graham, the president of the Methodist Church, said the statement should help the people of the North overcome the past and look to the future.

"As others in the past have already shown, it is only when we acknowledge pain and hurt caused to each other that we are enabled to find the freedom needed to move forward," he said.

Presbyterian moderator Russell Birney also praised the apology as one of many steps towards a lasting peace.

"In as far as it goes, the IRA statement is a positive gesture," he said. "However, it is just one of many steps that will have to be taken along the road of reconciliation towards the peaceful, tolerant and just society for which we yearn."