‘Faith brought strength in 2020 and will in 2021’

The message was given jointly by Rev Dr David Bruce, Moderator of the Presbyterian Church; Rev John McDowell, Church of Ireland Archbishop of Armagh & Primate of all Ireland; Rev Dr Thomas McKnight, President of the Methodist Church in Ireland; Rev Eamon Martin, Roman Catholic Archbishop of Armagh & Primate of all Ireland and Rev Dr Ivan Patterson, President of the Irish Council of Churches.

“The pandemic of 2020 brought grief, anxiety and uncertainty, as well as economic loss and disruption of livelihoods,” they said. “Many aspects of life that we had taken for granted, like visiting loved ones in nursing homes, or popping in to a see a friend, suddenly changed.”

They paid tribute to frontline workers who served despite the risks during 2020, noting that churches too had been part of that response.

“Faith has been a source of strength and support to many throughout this difficult time,” they said, adding that they continue to pray for political leaders in both jurisdictions, who have faced huge challenges.

The changes which Brexit will bring are another powerful reminder of the interconnectedness of communities, they said.

“As Church Leaders, we continue to encourage the building of relationships across and between these islands.”

 The coming year also marks the centenary of the foundation of Northern Ireland and of partition, they said, noting that “for some this is a cause for celebration, others will look upon the last century with a sense of loss and separation”.

As church leaders this opens up opportunities “for greater understanding of each other, for further healing and reconciliation between our communities”.

2021 will also provide the opportunity “to reflect together on the failings of relationships and use of violence across the whole island” in years past.

 Covid-19 has made the challenges faced by those in poverty across the world greater than ever, they noted, making Jesus’ reminder to “love our neighbour” is particularly relevant.

In concluding, they pointed to “the hope which has been made known in Jesus, who has promised His presence in every situation and who is the light of the world”.

A message from the Editor:

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our advertisers - and consequently the revenue we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you taking out a digital subscription.

Subscribe to newsletter.co.uk and enjoy unlimited access to the best Northern Ireland and UK news and information online and on our app. With a digital subscription, you can read more than 5 articles, see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Visit https://www.newsletter.co.uk/subscriptions now to sign up.

Our journalism costs money and we rely on advertising, print and digital revenues to help to support them. By supporting us, we are able to support you in providing trusted, fact-checked content for this website.

Alistair Bushe

Editor