A GROUP of Presbyterians in Northern Ireland have asked Catholics to forgive them following the "communal sin" of Drumcree.
In a letter to the Jr is Ii News, 25 Presbyterians from 14 separate congregations said Protestants involved in last month's violent scenes did not speak for their church.
They paid tribute to the family of Michael McGoldrick, the Catholic taxi driver who was shot dead on the outskirts of Lurgan, Co Armagh, during the Drumcree stand off.
The letter said. We wish to confess with deep anguish, the sins of disobedience, rebellion, anger and sectarianism which were perpetrated on the whole community in the supposed cause of civil and religious liberty."
The Presbyterians hoped that Catholics would recognise that "those who vociferously claim to represent the Protestant community do not represent the authentic voice of Presbyterianism".
The letter was signed on behalf of the church members by Dr Kelvin McCracken from Lisburn, Co Antrim. He said the signatories were happy with the response of their church and government committee to the events surrounding Drumcree but felt that the element of repentance was missing.
"A lot of people felt strongly along those lines but we felt our voice was not being heard among the political noise that was coming out," he said. "I know that there are others who feel the same way. Many people associated with the Orange Order were appalled but they might hesitate to say it."
Dr McCracken expressed anger at the RUC "curfew" of the lower Ormeau in south Belfast at the time of the 12th of July parade in Belfast.
Members of congregations in counties Donegal, Derry, Down and Antrim also signed the letter.