For over a century the Irish Council of Churches has provided spaces for Christians from various denominations across this island to meet together. We join together to connect through Christ and embody a cohesive witness for Christ across the island. We want to pass on our best wishes to President Catherine Connolly today on the occasion of her inauguration to this high office. We have sought to facilitate inter-church dialogue as part of our work towards reconciliation on an island scarred by too many tragedies. Jesus’ own words declared that ‘Blessed are the peacemakers for they will be called children of God.’  Our prayer for today would be that this presidency would continue the work of deep reconciliation that there may be flourishing for all.