The events in America on 11 September rend the fabric of the world. The immensity of these brutal attacks remains staggering, the extent of the suffering inflicted and the grief caused is unimaginable. We are reduced to silence at the capacity of evil. All those who have been directly involved have been at the centre of our prayers, both personally and in many ecumenical services throughout Ireland.

The capacity of terrorists to make a drama is something we have known about in Northern Ireland over the lats 30 years. We saw it on an infinitely bigger scale in the iconic destruction in Washington and New York. This drama enters our brains and controls us, as it is designed to do. We must not be conditioned by this drama and seek to lash out in vengeance., Dealing with acts of terrorism requires firmness but also prudence and moral restraint.

We pray that God will be with you at this time.


Dr. David Stevens
Executive Secretary