Church leaders in united call ahead of Remembrance Sunday

Church leaders in Northern Ireland have come together in a special video call to reflect and advise on the acute problems faced by people from the Covid-19 pandemic.
By Billy Kennedy
Published 7th Nov 2020, 07:00 BST
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The church declaration, made ahead of Remembrance Sunday when the sacrifices made by countless people in two world wars and other conflicts are highlighted, involves the most senior clerics in the Presbyterian Church, Church of Ireland, Methodist and Roman Catholic churches and the Irish Council of Churches.

In the video, filmed separately in the studies and places of worship of the churchmen last week, they remember the sacrifice made during the two world wars and other conflicts, lamenting the loss of life. They also acknowledge the loss felt by those who have lost loved ones to coronavirus and have not been able to grieve fully.

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In the video, each church leader voices a portion of their joint statement to camera, over Elgar’s ‘Nimrod’, music from the composer’s ‘Enigma Variations’. This reflective piece of music has become, over many years, associated with various acts of remembrance. The video concludes with each church leader saying: “As leaders of our various churches, we reflect together at this time of remembrance.

Archbishop John McDowell, centre, with, clockwise from top left, Archbishop Eamon Martin, Rev Dr Tom McKnight, Rt Rev Dr David Bruce, and Very Rev Dr Ivan Patterson.Archbishop John McDowell, centre, with, clockwise from top left, Archbishop Eamon Martin, Rev Dr Tom McKnight, Rt Rev Dr David Bruce, and Very Rev Dr Ivan Patterson.
Archbishop John McDowell, centre, with, clockwise from top left, Archbishop Eamon Martin, Rev Dr Tom McKnight, Rt Rev Dr David Bruce, and Very Rev Dr Ivan Patterson.

“We acknowledge the deep sense of loss felt by many in our land at this time, and thank God for a moment to pause, to pray and be thankful.

“We remember the sacrifice of so many in the two world wars and other conflicts, lamenting this loss of life on all sides. Further, we are keenly aware of the acute pain felt by bereaved families who have lost loved ones during the current coronavirus pandemic.

“They have often been unable to mark their passing in ways which would honour their memory and help to heal the wound of their loss. We pray for you in your time of distress. Amen.”

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* Taking part in the video are Presbyterian Moderator the Rev David Bruce; Church of Ireland Primate the Rev John McDowell; Roman Catholic Primate the Rev Eamon Martin; Methodist President the Rev Tom McKnight; and Irish Council of Churches President the Rev Ivan Patterson.

Related topics:Northern IrelandCovid-19Presbyterian ChurchEamon Martin