Statement by the Archbishop of Armagh
The Most Revd Dr Richard Clarke, Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland, has issued the following statement:
“Sadly, the opportunity for the Northern Ireland Assembly to consider the Northern Ireland (Executive Formation) Act has now passed. This reinforces the absolute necessity – so often pressed for by church leaders over the past two years and more – for our political leaders to work together for the restoration of the Executive and Assembly. Sensitive social issues and the wider welfare of the people of Northern Ireland should be the solemn responsibility of our locally elected representatives. The Northern Ireland Office consultation on the specific regulations to be implemented in the wake of this legislation should now be a matter for conscientious engagement by all our people. We continue to pray for our politicians, but we pray also for all who will be affected by this legislation, imposed as it is from elsewhere.”