25th Anniversary of the Signing

The Agreement was signed on 10th April, 1998, which that year was Good Friday.  It was a political deal designed to bring about the end of ‘the Troubles’, which, after nearly thirty years of violence and conflict on the streets of Northern Ireland, had resulted in more than 3,500 deaths.

This year marks twenty-five years since the historic agreement was signed…

We must remember that the signing of the Agreement was not the end of the journey to peace in Northern Ireland.  It marked simply the first faltering steps down a very long road to a new, brighter, and shared future.

The principles of the Agreement were based on ‘partnership, equality and mutual respect’.  As we reflect on how far we have travelled, we must fully appreciate the sacrifices that were made as we capture a vision for what lies ahead.

In the journey from Good Friday to Easter, from death to new life, as people of faith we believe that love is stronger than hate and that the light of hope shines brightly in the darkness.

The following resources are offered by The Church Leaders Group (Ireland) for use in times of private prayer and public forms of worship marking the anniversary, recalling the events of the past and looking to the future.

• The Most Reverend Eamon Martin
• The Most Reverend John McDowell
• The Right Reverend Dr. John Kirkpatrick
• The Reverend David Nixon
• The Right Reverend Andrew Forster

To view a more detailed piece, please click here.

 

Communications