The North's Catholic Bishops have expressed concern at the recent spate of pipe-bomb attacks, which have mainly been targeted at Catholic homes.
The DUP leader, Dr Ian Paisley, also condemned the incidents.
In their statement the bishops unreservedly condemned all attacks which endangered human life and property, adding that only a quick resolution of the policing debate would put a stop to the attacks.
"We are anxious to highlight the plight of all victims of these attacks. We are well aware that this dangerous situation is due in some measure to the protracted delay in resolving the issue of policing.
"We have frequently stated that a police service which enjoys widespread confidence and trust in the community is essential to the stability of society and to the effective combating of crime.
"As Catholic Church leaders we wish to underline that policing is a noble vocation in the service of the common good." Only a transparently accountable police service with widespread community support would, however, attract young people to join its ranks, the bishops added.
"While the outcome of the recent intensive negotiations on this vital issue has not yet been made public, we urge all who bear a special responsibility in public and political life to leave no stone unturned in reaching agreement as a matter of urgency. They will have the support and prayers of all right-thinking people," they concluded.
Dr Paisley said he condemned unconditionally the latest wave of pipe-bomb attacks in the North.
Speaking on RTE radio yesterday, he said there was "absolutely no justification" for the attacks, many of which, he said, have been directed against Catholics simply because they were Catholics.