Robinson And McGuinness Meet With Church Leaders

The meeting which was the latest in a series of meetings with both church and community leaders, was aimed at gauging perceptions on a range of social and community issues.

Mr Robinson said: "The Churches here have been very supportive of the work that the deputy First Minister and I have undertaken in recent months including our program for cohesion, sharing and integration and the recent negotiations on devolution of policing and justice.

"We felt that it was important that we take this opportunity to brief them further and to answer any questions they have."

Mr McGuinness said: "Church leaders represent a large section of the community and it is vital that we consider their opinions as part of our wider engagement with the community. We intend to continue that engagement with other groups and spheres of society in the coming days and weeks."

Representing the various churches were Presbyterian Moderator Dr Stafford Carson, Evangelical Alliance the North's National Director Stephen Cave, President of the Irish Council of Churches Rev Tony Davidson, Archbishop Alan Harper, Methodist President Rev Donald Ker and Bishop John McAreavey.

Archbishop Alan Harper, on behalf of the church leaders said: "All of our churches have been supportive of devolved government and have encouraged local politicians to take leadership in building a community where everyone feels at home.

"Wide consultation and finding consensus is a necessary element of that and we welcome the opportunity, along with others, to play our part in that process."