The outgoing Moderator of the Presbyterian Church has praised the example given recently by President Mary McAleese and Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II.
Dr Norman Hamilton, who is based in North Belfast, said churches, politicians and the wider community should follow the example set by the two women.
Dr Hamilton has a track record in fostering better community relations.
He played a positive role in diffusing the Holy Cross school row a decade ago in North Belfast and was one of the panellists in a Shared Society Debate during the SDLP's Annual Conference last year.
As his term as Moderator of the Presbyterian Church draws to a close, Dr Hamilton has been reflecting on the recent State visit to the Republic by Queen Elizabeth.
He praised the welcome given to the Queen by President McAleese and the Irish people.
He said the visit symbolised the good relations built up between nationals and unionists in recent years.
He said the President and the Queen grasped the importance of going beyond historic animosity.
