The North's Catholic bishops have expressed "particular concern" at the postponement of Assembly elections.
In a statement yesterday they reaffirmed their "unqualified support for a shared future for the people of Northern Ireland based on the principles of equality, shared responsibility and devolved Government established by the Good Friday Agreement."
Such a future "must be agreed in dialogue, founded on respect for diversity and held together by trust. We regret that the devolved administration could not continue to work effectively in circumstances where there had been a breakdown in trust between those involved. The crucial issue remains a lack of trust on all sides of the community. We call for a total commitment to restore and indeed enhance that trust," they said.
They believed the full implementation of the structures provided for by the Good Friday Agreement "were essential to the 'achievement of reconciliation, tolerance and mutual respect' (cf. Preamble to the Agreement). All had a responsibility to make the Agreement work," they said.
They expressed "particular concern at the decision to postpone elections to the Northern Ireland Assembly in May. This decision, coupled with the disturbing allegations in the recent Stevens' Report, has adversely affected the confidence of many in the democratic process.
" We are very concerned at the prospect of a dangerous vacuum being created by the failure to allow the electorate express itself democratically. We therefore urge that the Assembly Elections, envisaged for this autumn, will not be further postponed," they said.
"Elections on their own, however, will not ensure a peaceful future. This can only be achieved by everyone in our society responding fully and positively to the reality and the consequences of a shared future".
They also welcomed "the recent publication of the Joint Declaration by the British and Irish Governments".