Moral imperative to hand over weapons, says outgoing Moderator

Dr John Dixon, in his final address as Moderator of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland, last night described decommissioning as "both a moral imperative and a political necessity". He called on all paramilitary groups to grasp the opportunity "to abandon the immoral path of violence and embrace demonstrably and unambiguously the way of democratic politics".

Speaking at the opening of the church's annual assembly in Belfast, he unreservedly condemned the continuing intimidation by fire bomb, bullet, telephone call and verbal threat that distresses individuals, displaces families, and destroys communities. He described such activity as "sinful and vile and utterly evil," echoing comments he made on Saturday about the murder of Ms Elizabeth O'Neill in Portadown.

Her killers, he said, were "motivated by the evil of sectarianism, fuelled by tribal religiosity. They are only interested in looking to the past and dragging us all back to the ways of death and destruction that have achieved nothing."

He described his year as Moderator as "exhilarating and exhausting, enlightening and enriching." Drumcree and Omagh reminded people "of the hurt, suspicion, misunderstanding and sheer hatred and evil that still exist in too many hearts and minds".

And while each side argued for its rights, another group, the RUC, was left to carry the burden. He wished to "pay tribute to this police service who have at horrendous cost to themselves and their families, keep and continue to keep this society from descending into anarchy." Dr Dixon went on to remember the other victims of violence who often felt overlooked, marginalised and ignored. There was an increasingly urgent need for the church to address the pastoral responsibilities of counsel and care in this context, "as well as keeping governments and authorities aware of their ongoing needs," he said.

During the year he was received graciously on several occasions by the President, Mrs McAleese, he said. At a meeting with a 40strong deputation from the church, the Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, reflected on the contribution made by Presbyterians in the history of this island.

There had also been meetings with the British Prime Minister, Mr Blair, the Northern Secretary, Dr Mowlam, as well as the North's First Minister, Mr David Trimble, and Deputy First Minister Mr Seamus Mallon.