THE Church of Ireland Primate, Archbishop Robin Eames, has called on all sides involved in the stand off in Drumcree to look at ways of avoiding future violence. Society had the right to expect agreement, he said.
Launching a wide ranging document on the subject at a press conference yesterday, he said that it was unfair to ask the RUC to make decisions where the community could not do so.
The events of last week had been well documented, but it was now time to consider possible solutions. The matter should be addressed with urgency, not put on the long finger. "Every effort should be made to reach a balance between the right to march and the views of those who oppose marches. Mediation is desirable and agreement is essential."
If agreement could not be reached at grassroots level, there should be a reflective period by all sides to allow for a breakthrough. If that failed, then some sort of judicial decision should be made by an official body as a last resort.
Dr Eames expressed sympathy with those affected by last week's violence. No one's anger could justify what happened, he added.
However, he urged both communities, while not forgetting the various incidents, to try to move ahead.
He understood that nationalists desired a level playing field, but they could not ignore the feelings of Protestants. Negotiations were already under way to mediate an agreement on next month's Apprentice Boys' parade in Derry, he stated.
Archbishop Eames urged political leaders to redouble their efforts for a solution to the Northern conflict. The alternative was to condemn everyone to years of misery".
The events of last week had brought the North to the "edge of the abyss" and proved that sectarianism was an undiminished force. "No one doubts the overwhelming yearning for peace. But, equally, no one should underestimate the problems facing political leaders", he said. "A political solution across the board could solve so many other issues. A failure to find it would condemn us all to years of misery."