CHURCH leaders met yesterday with representatives of Northern Ireland's five main political parties to express their concerns over the continued absence of devolved government.
They discussed the impact of the absence of Stormont power-sharing and the need to "restore public confidence in the political process and institutions".
The meeting was held at the Presbyterian Church in Ireland's assembly buildings in Belfast as part of the church leader group's regular meetings throughout the year.
It was attended by Archbishop Eamon Martin, Catholic Primate of Ireland; Presbyterian moderator Rev Dr Charles McMullen; Church of Ireland Archbishop Richard Clarke; Methodist Church president Rev William Davison; and Rev Brian Anderson, president of the Irish Council of Churches.
Among the political representatives who attended were DUP leader Arlene Foster, Sinn Féin vice president Michelle O'Neill MLA, SDLP leader Colum Eastwood, UUP leader Robin Swann and Alliance deputy leader Stephen Farry.
In a statement following the meeting, the church leaders said: "In times of increasing global uncertainty, local leadership is vital to protect employment and essential public services, to give our communities – and especially our young people – a sense of confidence about the future."
The discussion involved the "importance of relationships and trust" and the need to "create the space to allow for more constructive public discourse and for new relationships of trust to develop".
Meanwhile on Brexit, DUP deputy leader Nigel Dodds hit out at the Irish government and the EU, claiming they have "weaponised" the 'backstop' proposals.
"Their intransigence is now causing the real prospect of a no deal. The United Kingdom simply cannot agree to the backstop which would break up the United Kingdom nor to something which doesn't actually deliver Brexit," he said.
Sinn Féin MP Chris Hazzard said concerns over Brexit highlighted the need for the backstop option to be protected and for the north to "secure special status within the EU".
