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Clergy divided on peace deal
Clergymen protested at Stormont |
A group of church leaders have added their names to an interdenominational statement which supports the Mitchell peace plan for Northern Ireland.
Six Church of Ireland Bishops have signed the statement backing Ulster Unionist leader David Trimble over a deal which could see devolution in the province within days.
The statement will appear in a unionist, Belfast-based newspaper on Saturday morning, as the Ulster Unionist Council prepares to vote on whether to back their party leader over the deal.
It is also signed by many people who have suffered during 30 years of violence in Northern Ireland.
Among them are Belfast man Alan McBride who lost his wife in the IRA's Shankill Road bomb.
Rev Stephen Dickinson and Rev Eric Culbertson headed the delegation |
It is addressed to those who have participated in the crucial talks at Stormont.
It reads: "We would like to express publically our support for the efforts you are making at this time to build an historic and lasting peace in our country.
"We appreciate the integrity and courage which you have shown in travelling so far in this process. We encourage you all to take the next steps together."
The statement goes on to say say that the signatories acknowledge the "considerable difficulties" which are still to be overcome, but adds there is an "overwhelming desire" for political progress.
It adds: "We believe that you are working towards the creation of new structures that will offer all of us, a future where peace, respect and prosperity can flourish.
"We encourage you to translate this vision into a practical reality."
Meantime, around 40 Protestant clergymen went to Stormont in Belfast on Friday afternoon to call for a 'no' vote at the Ulster Unionist council meeting.
The group, which included Church of Ireland and Presbyterian ministers, were met at Parliament Buildings by a number of anti-agreement unionists.
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26 Nov 99 | Northern Ireland |
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Rebel unionists break ranks |
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25 Nov 99 | Northern Ireland |
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Trimble's challenge |
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25 Nov 99 | Northern Ireland |
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Unionists face historic choice |
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25 Nov 99 | Northern Ireland |
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