01.10.2026
Archbishops Make Joint Call to Use Words of St Francis of Assisi to Pray for Drumcree Situation
Statement from Archbishop John McDowell and Archbishop Eamon Martin:
“Following on from our joint statement last Sunday and in light of the ongoing situation and discussions around Drumcree, as we approach the time of year when we remember Saint Francis of Assisi on his Feast Day (4 October), we are encouraging our clergy and people to include the well known prayer of Saint Francis in Sunday services and Masses, in family prayers and in private devotions over the weekend.
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.
Where there is hatred, let me bring love.
Where there is offence, let me bring pardon.
Where there is discord, let me bring union.
Where there is error, let me bring truth.
Where there is doubt, let me bring faith.
Where there is despair, let me bring hope.
Where there is darkness, let me bring your light.
Where there is sadness, let me bring joy.
O Lord, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console,
to be understood as to understand, to be loved as to love,
for it is in giving that one receives,
it is in self–forgetting that one finds,
it is in forgiving that one is forgiven,
it is in dying that one awakens to eternal life.
Amen.
On Sunday, the Archbishops issued the following joint statement:
“As Archbishops and Pastors in our different Christian traditions, we have always taken seriously our call, in Christ, to speak and act together when we can. We do this because we share the conviction that the greatest commandment, and the greatest witness anyone can give to the Gospel in our world today, is in love of God and love of neighbour.
“As our community faces the crisis in Drumcree today, in which so many sincere views, painful histories and important issues are at stake, we cannot think of any time in the last thirty years when this simple message needs to be more urgently heard. How can we be good neighbours to each other? What can we do to patiently, constructively and positively build on all the sincere and generous efforts over recent years to foster mutual trust and understanding among our different traditions?
“Respect for the rule of law, and use of peaceful and democratic processes are vital to a stable and democratic society, even when they are difficult and challenging. As Christians, we are also called to ask ourselves what is generous, what is neighbourly, what builds up peace and the common good among us? As disciples of Jesus, our golden rule calls us to turn the other cheek, to go the extra mile and ultimately, to ensure that love of God and neighbour is the core value that determines all our actions and decisions.
“As Church leaders, we are profoundly aware of our own failings and inadequacies. Imperfect as we may be, we feel deeply the concerns of the people of Drumcree and the wider community that we serve.
“We are willing to do all that we are asked to guide the feet of all, in the name, and after the example of Jesus, on the way of peace, and the building up of a better future for all. We call for the urgent creation of a constructive, inclusive and reconciling initiative to patiently find a way through this current crisis. Too much is at stake.”