Eames in last appeal to heal divide

Outgoing Church of Ireland Primate Robin Eames today issued a final appeal for both sides in the North to heal the sectarian divide and avoid plunging a new generation into bitter hatred.

In his final sermon as Archbishop of Armagh, the clergyman who was involved in mediation efforts during years of violence in the North praised those who worked for peace as the Troubles raged.

He told the congregation at St Patrick's Cathedral, Armagh, of his sadness at relinquishing the primacy.

"When I was ordained in 1963, I little imagined my pilgrimage would have brought me to this moment," Archbishop Eames said.

"As I leave office I thank God for the privilege of serving him and the people of the Church through so many different experiences of joy and sorrow.

"In those days of darkness when lives were scarred and lost I witnessed the courage and dignity of those who found in their faith the strength to go on.

"In more recent times, we have seen developments in the community which once seemed impossible. No-one ever imagined the path to a stable and just society would be easy. But never forget - in life difficulties faced and overcome make their own contribution to stability."

As he stood down, the Archbishop called on Catholics and Protestants to find ways of sharing the land, opportunities, problems and solutions.

He stressed: "We cannot pass on to a new generation the hatreds and divisions of the past. We have got to create a future under God where young people have real pride in their community.

"The Church, politicians and all of us leading ordinary lives must grasp the opportunities for reaching that shared future which now present themselves.

"I welcome the debates within the Protestant and unionist community on a way forward. I welcome the historic attempts within the nationalist and republican community to address issues such as policing.

"Let us recognise in both communities, individual courage and integrity when we see it in others we may not always agree with. We need to become a community of shared generosity as much as one embracing difference.

"I long to see a meeting of minds which will allow that shared future to become a reality.

"I pray that recognising our differences we may be guided under God into a future where this entire community can turn the memories of the past into a future of hope."