Opening the second day of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland’s General Assembly, which is meeting in Belfast until Friday, the Moderator, Right Reverend Dr Richard Murray made a statement on the overnight violence that took place in Belfast and other towns in Northern Ireland.
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Moderator appeals for calm
Dr Murray went on to lead the General Assembly in prayer.
Speaking to the Assembly, Dr Murray said, “The vicious assault on the gentleman in North Belfast has, I am quite sure, left us all appalled, and in a few moments, we will be praying for him. But the rioting has also left us appalled. And whilst in a democracy, people have the right to protest, they don't have a right to riot, or to intimidate, or to threaten, or even to take life.
“We commend the PSNI for their work in protecting people and property, as well as the other emergency services, and as Moderator speaking on behalf of this denomination, I want to appeal to the wider community for peace and calm, and for sense to prevail.”