Saturday 2 April 2011

We had hoped ...

... that the bombing had ceased.

Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by today's bomb in Omagh; including the many for whom it will bring back memories of darker days.
May God give to the people of this country a desire for peace and the courage to face tomorrow.


Give us the grace to watch with those who weep 
and the endurance to stand with those who wait ...

7 comments:

JohnnyMcl said...

Amen to that.

Rev Elizabeth said...

Murder of PSNI Officer in Omagh

Statement by The Most Revd Alan Harper, Archbishop of Armagh, and the Rt Revd Ken Good, Bishop of Derry and Raphoe
There are no words to adequately describe the inhumanity of the murder of a young PSNI officer in Omagh today. The cruelty and shame of those who committed this act, either in planting the device or in supplying of information, is displayed to all of the world. It has brought needless devastation to the family of this young officer. It is also an act for which those responsible will indeed answer not only to their conscience but to their maker.
The Church of Ireland community is both proud and indebted to the service of this brave young officer. We stand united with his family and hope that our heartfelt prayers and sympathy will bring some comfort in their great loss. We offer our deep sympathy and support to the family and to his colleagues and friends and we call on all people of faith to hold them in their prayers; and we ask everyone to support the PSNI in every way possible as they seek to protect the public and bring to justice the perpetrators of today’s heinous crime.
We are resolved as Christian people to come together with all our neighbours in this community, regardless of politics or background. We are building a community where hatred has no place and in which political difference will never be successfully addressed with violence.

Penelopepiscopal said...

This made me sad, Elizabeth. Thanks for including the statement from Apb Harper and Bp Good. Sad, sad.

Anonymous said...

Oh dear - how sad - remember those days well when we lived in Ireland in the early 80's and visiting families that had been affected. Thoughts and prayers go out to the family. God bless you, Judyx

ROBERTA said...

such tragic news. how do we pray for those who plan and commit such acts? that they would turn from their blindness? i don't have an answer but i know i'm called to pray for them and their victims.

may the family of this officer feel the prayers & support of all those who share in their grief...

Kelly Moore said...

I'm very sad to hear this and will mention Ronan and his family during the Prayers of the People tomorrow. Roberta brings up one of the difficult aspects of our faith: how do we love our enemies? And yet, we are called to do so. Surely "road to Damascus" conversions are still possible...

Blue Eyed Ennis said...

Yes,like so many others hearing this news I am saddened by the re-opening of wounds and pray for peace yet again !
Blessings