THE moderator of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland has urged the political parties to "honour and value one another" and "work constructively in partnership" in the midst of the current crisis.
Reverend Frank Sellar said that the "drawing of too many lines in the sand" would only hinder progress.
"At the start of this month, in our New Year message, I wrote with Ireland’s other church leaders that 'the world is an uncertain place'.
"We did not know that within two short weeks Northern Ireland’s political institutions would be plunged into further crisis.
"It is at times like these that we must be clear about the values upon which we want our society and institutions to be based."
The Presbyterian moderator said that the effective functioning of both society and institutions required "integrity, a commitment to openness, generosity of spirit and cooperation for the common good".
He added: "With an election on the horizon and what are likely to be very difficult negotiations that follow, I call on all involved to show a willingness to listen carefully to each other, to honour and value one another and to work constructively in partnership.
"The drawing of too many 'lines in the sand' will only thwart progress on resolving the pressing issues that we face as a society.
"It will be my prayer in the next number of days and weeks that our political leaders will receive abundant grace and wisdom, so that a vision for the common good will emerge."
