Church leaders in Ireland have welcomed an agreement concluded between the two largest political parties in Northern Ireland, which will see the completion of a process of devolving power from the British government.

Church leaders in Ireland have welcomed an agreement concluded between the two largest political parties in Northern Ireland, which will see the completion of a process of devolving power from the British government.

The Roman Catholic Primate of All Ireland Cardinal Sean Brady hailed news of the agreement reached on Feb. 5, saying, “My prayer is that everyone in our society will reflect on what has been agreed today with a spirit of generosity and concern for the good of the whole community.” Brady also expressed his hopes for a resolution of issues concerning sectarian parades, which have in past led to violent confrontations.

“I want to express my particular hope that efforts to address the issue of parades will be met with generosity, sensitivity and a willingness to go beyond old ways of approaching each other on all sides,” said the cardinal.

His (Anglican) Church of Ireland counterpart, Bishop Alan Harper, said, “I most warmly welcome the news that agreement has been reached on a way forward on the devolution of justice and policing powers to Northern Ireland, together with the other issues that have been taken into account in the recent protracted negotiations.”