CHURCH LEADERS TO ATTEND BOTH SERVICES
Church leaders to attend both services
OMAGH Church leaders have agreed to attend both services planned for Friday and Sunday to mark the 10th anniversary of the Omagh bomb, it has emerged.
This latest development, follows concerns that the Sunday service, being organised by bereaved families in Omagh Support and Self-Help Group, would be boycotted by Omagh clergy.
Omagh Churches Forum spokesman the Rev Monsignor Joseph Donnelly told the News Letter: "We thought there would be a service for all involved but it has emerged it would not be suitable for some families.
"We see our role as a pastoral role, to respond to the need that has become apparent. It has highlighted the element of pain and hurt that is still there," he said.
"Our aspiration is that people should, as much as possible, take part on Friday, but we will be present at the Sunday service," he said.
This Friday's service is being organised by Omagh District Council
Michael Gallagher, chairman of Omagh Support and Self-Help Group, has asked Omagh District Council to discuss how best to take the matter forward as he wants the focus to be remembrance.
"I would like as many people to attend both services, as is possible.
"We have taken a balanced view. I would prefer that people are allowed to make their own choice and that it should not be controversial.
"We are saying it is a personal and a private decision. We never imagined the clergy would not come to our service after all these years, when they have come to other services we organised," he said.
"We have other clergy coming. There are more clergy than the clergy in Omagh. They buried our dead and for whatever reason, decided en masse not to attend our service. There is no reason why there should not be two services," he said.
Omagh Support and Self-Help Group will hold its interdenominational service of music, verse and prayer on Sunday at 3pm in the new memorial garden.
Representatives from the British, Irish and Spanish governments and the public will attend.
President of the Methodist Church in Ireland the Rev Alan Ferguson reassured victims they have never been forgotten and called on politicians to ensure such a tragedy never happens again.
OMAGH Church leaders have agreed to attend both services planned for Friday and Sunday to mark the 10th anniversary of the Omagh bomb, it has emerged.
This latest development, follows concerns that the Sunday service, being organised by bereaved families in Omagh Support and Self-Help Group, would be boycotted by Omagh clergy.
Omagh Churches Forum spokesman the Rev Monsignor Joseph Donnelly told the News Letter: "We thought there would be a service for all involved but it has emerged it would not be suitable for some families.
"We see our role as a pastoral role, to respond to the need that has become apparent. It has highlighted the element of pain and hurt that is still there," he said.
"Our aspiration is that people should, as much as possible, take part on Friday, but we will be present at the Sunday service," he said.
This Friday's service is being organised by Omagh District Council
Michael Gallagher, chairman of Omagh Support and Self-Help Group, has asked Omagh District Council to discuss how best to take the matter forward as he wants the focus to be remembrance.
"I would like as many people to attend both services, as is possible.
"We have taken a balanced view. I would prefer that people are allowed to make their own choice and that it should not be controversial.
"We are saying it is a personal and a private decision. We never imagined the clergy would not come to our service after all these years, when they have come to other services we organised," he said.
"We have other clergy coming. There are more clergy than the clergy in Omagh. They buried our dead and for whatever reason, decided en masse not to attend our service. There is no reason why there should not be two services," he said.
Omagh Support and Self-Help Group will hold its interdenominational service of music, verse and prayer on Sunday at 3pm in the new memorial garden.
Representatives from the British, Irish and Spanish governments and the public will attend.
President of the Methodist Church in Ireland the Rev Alan Ferguson reassured victims they have never been forgotten and called on politicians to ensure such a tragedy never happens again.
Further Information
Publisher: NEWS LETTER
Ref: NL10An/10
Published Date: 13-Aug-08
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