THE Catholic and Church of Ireland primates and other senior church figures have condemned the weekend round of tit for tat republican and loyalist violence.
A "dark cloud" had been cast over Belfast by the two murder attempts, said Dr Patrick Walsh, the Catholic Bishop of Down and Connor, reflecting a church consensus and the general mood.
The Catholic Primate, Archbishop Sean Brady of Armagh, said yesterday he was "appalled" at the prospect of a return to violence. "But I am still hopeful that, despite the great obstacles, that might not be so, that it's only a temporary setback," he added.
"I once again appeal to all those contemplating violence to listen to the voices of those who helped deliver ceasefires over two years ago, and to bring that influence to bear on people, to consider the consequences down the road of what violence will bring hospital beds, prisons cells, early graves," Dr Brady said in a BBC interview.
"I believe that eventually a solution will be found which will be just and fair," he said.
The church's call was to "forgiveness, repentance and reconciliation, to change our ways. ,Nothing will change without that" Dr Brady added.
The Church of Ireland Primate, Archbishop Robin Eames, appealed directly to the loyalist paramilitaries to stay their hand.
He urged to them to reflect on the assurances given when they called their ceasefire two years ago.
They must also realise that their political representatives have been making a great impression during the last few months, Dr Eames said.
They should also "realise that the constitutional links they say they want to defend will be weakened if they go back to violence".
Archbishop Eames said it must be said over and over again that it was "totally immoral to kill a person because of their religion or political outlook.
"Eventually that voice has got to prevail".
The former Catholic primate, Cardinal Cahal Daly, said the perpetrators of the two murder attempts were isolating themselves from their respective Catholic and Protestant communities.
"Those, and they are the huge majority in both communities, who long for peace will not allow even these deeds to discourage or to deflect them from the determination to go on working and talking and persuading and, above all, praying for peace," Dr Daly said.
Dr Walsh said a dark cloud had been cast over Belfast by the attacks. "Both these outrages must be condemned as morally evil and as callously calculated to shatter a fragile peace.
"I appeal to all who can in any way bring influence to bear on, those who seem intent to wreak havoc to do so with urgency. There is so much at stake at present," the bishop of Down and Connor said.
