Clergy from the four main churches in Rathcoole have met with a political representative of the UVF in a groundbreaking face-to-face meeting, The Newsletter, published in Belfast reports.
In a joint statement last night, the churchmen said they were disappointed in the image of Rathcoole portrayed following two nights of rioting and felt it necessary to meet with the UVF's political wing, the PUP, to listen to their side of the story.
"We thought we would allow them the opportunity to put across their thoughts and views as to what caused this recent activity, to explain from their angle why it happened and who was involved and their role in trying to curtail it," said one of the churchmen.
The statement followed a meeting lasting almost two hours between six ministers of the Presbyterian Church, the Church of Ireland (Rector: Rev Alan Millar), Belfast City Mission and Newtownabbey Methodist Church and Ken Wilkinson of the PUP.
Full report at:
http://www.newsletter.co.uk/news/Clergy-meet-to-discuss-disturbances.6604399.jp
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