The Church of Ireland Bishop of Cork, Cloyne and Ross, the Right Rev Paul Colton, has asked people of all denominations to keep the millennium celebrations in perspective and avoid a "wish list" of unrealistic expectations.
Speaking in St Fin Barre's Cathedral in Cork yesterday, Bishop Colton said there was a great danger that people would be left with disappointment, shattered dreams and unfulfilled expectations if the celebrations were not kept in perspective.
The bishop also called for the celebrations to be sensitive to those who find Christmas and the New Year difficult. "It is well known that for a huge body of people Christmas and the New Year is an unbearable time. For them, what will the millennium be like?" he asked.
Bishop Colton also asked that concern and understanding be expressed for those who are working throughout the celebrations, and that the occasion be used as an opportunity for dialogue with other cultures and faiths.
"I hope, too, that Christians will not celebrate the birthday of Jesus in an exclusive way. And I hope that people of all faiths and none will join with the Christian denominations in celebrating the Jesus of history."
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