IN A new year message, the Presbyterian Moderator, Dr Harry Allen, has appealed for fresh attempts to find a lasting peace in Northern Ireland. He urged loyalist paramilitaries to maintain their ceasefire and called on the IRA to declare a permanent cessation of violence.
"As we face a new year, with all its opportunities and possibilities for good or evil, I would appeal for fresh attempts to be made to procure a true, just and lasting peace. This will demand courage and possible sacrifice but it will be worth it.
"Simple common sense can see that the violence, murder and destruction of the past years have only served to drive our communities apart and sow seeds of hatred and deceit," said Dr Allen. "I would repeat what I said last June, that a mature society is one that has learned to live together in mutual respect and understanding.
"Is it too much to ask that, in response to the deep heart cry of the overwhelming majority of the people in this land and the clear teaching of Jesus Christ, we all make that extra effort to move away from violence towards peace?" said the Moderator.
