The Church of Ireland primate, Dr Robin Eames, has called on IRA prisoners being released as part of the Belfast Agreement to make a statement of regret. Many had been responsible for "ghastly atrocities" he said. He referred to the announcement of the loyalist ceasefire in October 1994, which he noted contained a recognition of suffering caused and "a note of regret."
Acknowledging that such a statement from the IRA could be greeted with cynicism, he still believed that recognition by it of its part "in the situation that engulfed Ireland" would contribute a great deal to the healing process.
The Archbishop of Dublin, Dr Walton Empey, said he found it "somewhat unsettling" that those in prison had more say in the peace process than those who had suffered bereavement or injury, who had not been considered in the same way. Both archbishops were speaking at a press conference in Dublin to announce details of the Church of Ireland Synod, which takes place at the Royal Hospital Kilmainham next Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.
They made their remarks on IRA prisoners while being questioned about a brief statement on the Belfast Agreement referendums, issued yesterday by the Church of Ireland's General Synod standing committee.
It stated: "The Church of Ireland recognises the courage and dedication of all involved in the political dialogue which has led to this momentous and vital point in our history and the prime importance for all the people of Ireland of the forthcoming agenda.
"The standing committee urges all members of the Church of Ireland, in exercising their democratic right, to record their opinion for the common good according to individual conscience. It also emphasises the importance of prayerful consideration of the questions to be asked on the part of all members of the Church of Ireland."
Dr Empey said direction from churches on how people should vote had "a sorry history" and "backfired" in instances.
The church's job was to emphasise the moral issues in a thoughtful and constructive way, not a narrow one, and he would be surprised if the Church of Ireland "ever, ever" told people how to vote.
