THE disturbances of the summer must be a warning to everyone that Northern Ireland must never again allow itself to be pushed so close to the abyss of anarchy, a Northern bishop has warned.
The Bishop of Derry and Raphoe, Dr James Mehaffey said the lessons of responsible leadership - which he believed applied in Derry during recent controversial parades - should be followed throughout the North and South to help ease sectarian tensions.
"We have learned the lesson [in Derry] that, when it comes to marches and counter-demonstrations, we need to draw together a widely representative group to engage in sustained and substantial discussions, and we need to begin this process right away the bishop told his diocesan synod yesterday.
As part of that spirit of reconciliation, Dr Mehaffey also urged that the row over stripping the trappings of office from the Ulster Unionist Party mayor of Derry, Mr Richard Dallas, should be speedily resolved. He said it should not be hindered by "any party political considerations".
On Drumcree and its aftermath, the bishop said the most disturbing aspect of the summer was "how dangerously close we came to anarchy in which the rule of law was under serious threat".
"Let the events of recent months be a warning to everyone so that our community never again allows itself to be pushed so close to the edge of the abyss."
Appealing for accommodation of diversity, Dr Mehaffey noted that, in relation to Drumcree, there was a range of opinion within the Church of Ireland, from those who gave their total support for traditional marches and their association with the church and those who believed this association should be seriously questioned and severed.
The bishop applauded all who helped lessen community friction in Derry during the Apprentice Boys' march in August and the Apprentice Boys' parade on the city walls last Saturday. "How the majority treats the minority and how the minority responds will determine to a great extent the future of this city," he added.
