THE four main church leaders have expressed deep concern at the picketing of the Catholic church in Harryville, Ballymena, Co Antrim.
Their statement came as unionist politicians, including the Ulster Unionist mayor of Ballymena, Mr James Currie, announced their intention of either attending Mass at Harryville or standing outside the church next Saturday as a mark of solidarity with the Catholic congregation.
The four church leaders, the Catholic Primate, Dr Sean Brady; the Presbyterian Moderator, Mr Harry Allen; the Methodist President, the Rev Ken Best, and the Church of Ireland Primate, Dr Robin Eames, issued their statement after a regular business meeting yesterday.
They said they had "considered the current sad deterioration in community relations". A statement continued: "They emphasise once again that it is the right of all people to worship in freedom. As we prepare to celebrate the birth of the Prince of Peace they call upon all people of faith and goodwill in the community to recognise the meaning of this season, and to treat their neighbours with respect and dignity."
Mr Currie said his attendance outside the church on Saturday night would be a personal gesture, but he hoped others would accompany him. He warned that the town's reputation was at stake.
A Progressive Unionist Party spokesman, Mr David Ervine, also said he would be at Harryville on Saturday. He repeated the firm denial voiced by his party and the Ulster Democratic Party that there was any loyalist paramilitary involvement in organising the Harryville demonstrations.