The leaders of the Presbyterian Church, Methodist Church, Roman Catholic Church, Church of Ireland and the Irish Council of Churches issued the following statement on 02–11–12

We are shocked, distressed and outraged by the ruthless murder of Prison Officer David Black which has met with total revulsion in all the communities we represent.

We offer to Mr Black’s family our deepest condolences and assure them, together with his colleagues and friends, of our prayers that God’s love will surround and support them through this awful and difficult time.

As Church leaders we stand shoulder to shoulder in support of men and women like Mr Black, his Prison Officer colleagues and all who serve the community in upholding our common good.

Every day such people put their lives on the line to play their part in moving our community forward, in the quest for a peaceful society where we can all live side by side in dignity, respecting one another and working together for a brighter and better future.

There can be no greater contrast than that between outstanding people like Mr Black and his colleagues who live their lives for the good and in the service of others, and those who murdered him, who only want to break down, destroy and bring sadness.

This evil murder is an attack on us all, so together we totally reject it and all that it represents. We recommit ourselves to continue working together for the good of everyone, in the name and through the love of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour.

Rt Rev Dr Roy Patton – Presbyterian Moderator

Cardinal Seán Brady, Archbishop of Armagh

Rev Ken Lindsay – Methodist President

Rt Rev Harold Miller, Bishop of Down and Dromore, on behalf of the Most Rev Dr Richard Clarke, Archbishop Designate of Armagh.

• Rev Fr Godfrey O’Donnell – President of the Irish Council of Churches