In his Christmas message the Presbyterian Moderator, Dr Trevor Morrow, has expressed concern for "the most vulnerable and hurting" in society, particularly the victims of violence.
He said Christmas was the time of year that brought out the worst hurt in many who had suffered in the past.
"What of the victims of what we have euphemistically called `the Troubles'? These are the people who carry in their hearts a pain too deep for words. What they have seen and experienced has left them indelibly scarred," Dr Morrow said.
"Their feeling of loss is now reinforced with a moral awareness of injustice. Grief at any time is hard to bear, but for them our Christmas camaraderie merely underlines their loneliness and isolation."
