Church leaders meet new PSNI Chief Constable

Leaders of Ireland’s churches met this afternoon with the new PSNI Chief Constable George Hamilton.

The meeting was held in the Strand Road PSNI station in Londonderry and was attended by Bishop Ken Good (representing the Church of Ireland Bishops), Bishop Donal McKeown (representing the Roman Catholic Bishops), Rev Peter Murray (President of the Methodist Church in Ireland), Rev Dr Rob Craig (representing the Moderator of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland), Rev Dr Donald Watts (President of Irish Council of Churches) and Rev Donald Kerr (Secretary of the Methodist Church in Ireland).

Ahead of the annual Twelfth of July parades, the leaders wanted to assure the Chief Constable of their support at what is a demanding time of the year for the top policing role. The meeting was an opportunity for the leaders to further affirm their joint support of the PSNI as they seek to protect the community all year round.

The Church leaders seek to encourage a peaceful and respectful summer, urging those participating in parades and protests to obey the law, respect the PSNI officers as they carry out their duties, and avoid any behaviour which is not for the overall good of society. They encourage all those who are committed to seeking better relations at a local level.