In a standalone Easter message, Archbishop Martin noted that many young people were not even born in 1998.
“They have no recollection of the terrible violence which brought so much destruction, bloodshed, grief and trauma within our communities. And thank God for that,” Martin said. He voiced his gratitude for all parties to the agreement who “took such risks for peace” and made political compromises “to secure a better future for us all.”
While the archbishop said he was grateful for the general end of hostilities and the separation of violence from politics, he voiced sadness at continued divisions among people who are “separated by distrust, sectarianism, and by the continued threatening presence of paramilitaries.” He urged efforts to reconcile and to heal “the awful open wounds of the past.”
“Christ is our peace,” Martin said. “To leave unchallenged the existence of sectarianism, bigotry, hatred and violence between Christians is a grave scandal. The cross and resurrection which are at the core of the Easter message confront us to go beyond ourselves to the other, and to make sacrifices for peace, harmony, forgiveness, and healing.”
The Church Leaders Group, composed of Catholic and Protestant leaders, prepared special prayers and worship resources for the anniversary.
Political leaders are also marking the Good Friday Anniversary, which was brokered with U.S. support under then-President Bill Clinton. President Joe Biden and President Clinton will be in Belfast for commemorations. Biden will be in Ireland April 11-14.
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