The Presbyterian Church has been criticised in the latest issue of the Church of Ireland Gazette for its refusal to join a proposed Conference of Churches in Ireland.
The Gazette's editorial said it was difficult to see what the Presbyterian Church objected to in the idea and "certainly the Church of Ireland, along with the other `yes' churches, is owed an explanation".
The Catholic Church appeared not to wish to enter the new body without the full participation of the Presbyterian Church.
Disappointment at "this ecumenical set-up" was compounded by the fact that peace was breaking out throughout Ireland and new relationships were being formed, the Gazette continued. Secularism was "proving itself capable of far greater things than the churches when it comes to breaking down barriers".
It described the situation as "an indictment on Irish Christianity at this historic time".
