PSNI Chief Constable Matt Baggott has praised the main churches for working to establish stability in Northern Ireland.
He made his comments after he yesterday met the four main Christian church leaders in Ireland at Catholic primate Cardinal Seán Brady’s residence at Ara Coeli in Armagh.
The four leaders, Cardinal Brady, Church of Ireland Archbishop Alan Harper, Presbyterian moderator Dr Stafford Carson and Methodist president Rev Donald Kerr held talks lasting 90 minutes with Mr Baggott. They discussed a number of issues including the importance of developing community policing, the current security situation and anti-social behaviour.
Cardinal Brady said it was important that everyone should support the police. “We asked for the introductory meeting with Chief Constable Baggott to welcome him in his new role as Chief Constable of the PSNI and to discuss some of the significant issues currently facing our society,” he said. “The meeting gave us an opportunity to discuss ways to improve co-operation between local communities and the PSNI. We believe that the common good is best served by such a positive working relationship,” added Cardinal Brady.
Dr Carson said Mr Baggott’s “extensive experience of community policing and clear leadership skills will be of great benefit to the people of Northern Ireland in the years ahead”.
Mr Baggott, who has described himself as a committed Christian, said the meeting was very important. “Churches play an influential part in giving us a sense of community. Over the years – and especially through some of the worst times – they have been a force for stability and good,” he added.
“They have a crucial role to play as we continue to move forward and develop as a society. I know that frontline police commanders engage regularly with religious and community leaders in their areas.
“I believe that we have a common goal in creating a safe confident and peaceful Northern Ireland,” said Mr Baggott.
