Archbishop Martin calls for peaceful resolution of Garvaghy dispute
Archbishop Eamon Martin has called for peaceful resolution to the Garvaghy Road dispute in Portadown.
The Derry-born leader of the Catholic Church in Ireland said: "I am deeply saddened that the people of the Garvaghy Road, and of our wider society, find themselves, once again, facing a moment of such tension, fear and uncertainty. My first thoughts are with those for whom this situation brings back deeply traumatic and painful memories."
Following the decision of the Parades Commission to permit the parade to proceed along the nationalist area and the failure of a legal bid to block the demonstration the road was blocked by residents and political leaders on Sunday.
"I share the sense of shock and disappointment of so many people at recent developments. "This weekend, I ask for prayers throughout our parishes for a calm and peaceful response from everyone involved. I also appeal for support for the patient use of solely lawful and democratic processes to resolve this deeply complex and emotive situation," said Archbishop Martin.