The Church of Ireland has established a special committee to tackle sectarianism and differences within the church and wider Northern Ireland society, it announced today.
The new scheme is the result of a major study carried out within the church last year into members' attitudes to sectarianism and living with differences.
The new committee, to be known as The Hard Gospel Committee, will begin its work by examining responses to the study from the 12 Church of Ireland Diocesan Synods and church boards and committees, with a view to developing a strategic vision.
Archdeacon David Chillingworth, rector of Seagoe Parish in Portadown and a member of the new committee, said: "Dealing creatively with sectarianism and with other forms of difference requires faith, courage, generosity, knowledge and skill.
"It is our view that the Church of Ireland and other churches in Ireland should be ready and able to address sectarianism."
PA