The Quinn murders should make those who are in disagreement with each other take a step back in an act of reconciliation and act courageously to "resolve the impasse that threatens to engulf us all", the Presbyterian Moderator, Dr John Dixon, said after visiting Ballymoney yesterday.
While there, he briefly met the family of the three boys and expressed horror at the attack. "All of us are utterly appalled and deeply shocked," he said.
On behalf of the entire Irish Presbyterian church, he expressed sympathy to the Quinn family and the local community.
"This is not the time to apportion blame to one group or another," he said.
"The innate hatred that is so widespread in our society has been brought to the surface by the present heightened tension."
In a statement, Dr Dixon called upon all men and women of goodwill to assert their influence. He said they should reach out in love to their neighbours.
"Out of this tragedy, I hope those who are in disagreement will step back, think clearly and act courageously and compassionately to resolve the impasse that threatens to engulf us all," he said. The President of the Methodist Church, the Rev David Kerr, expressed "shock, horror and utter revulsion" at the deaths of the three children. He also extended his sympathy to the bereaved family.
He appealed to both sides in the Garvaghy Road dispute to work towards reaching an accommodation.
"If this is not possible, I plead with the Orange Order to cease their protest at Drumcree immediately in the name of human compassion and the love of God for all people."