"The police have been left to carry a heavy burden in Ulster society while both communities argue for their rights", the outgoing Presbyterian Church moderator said tonight.
Dr John Dixon said, "I wish to pay tribute to the RUC who at horrendous cost
to themselves, kept and continue to keep this society from descending into
anarchy."
At the opening of the church's annual general assembly in Belfast, he
highlighted the murder of Constable Frank O'Reilly, who died from injuries after a blast bomb exploded in his face at a loyalist demonstration in Portadown a year ago.
"Sadly, I visited RUC personnel forced to leave their homes through
intimidation. Let us not forget their sacrifice, but rather as a church, assure them of our appreciation of their courage and dignity under extreme pressure and provocation.
Mr Dixon condemned all sectarian attacks and intimidation as "sinful, vile and utterly evil". "Drumcree and Omagh remind us forcibly of the hurt, suspicion, misunderstanding and sheer hatred and evil that still exists in too many hearts and minds", he said. He also said decommissioning was both a "moral imperative and a political necessity', and that victims of violence must never be forgotten.
"I call upon all paramilitaries to grasp the opportunity to abandon the
immoral path of violence and embrace demonstrably and unambiguously the way of democratic politics."
Incoming moderator Dr John Lockington urged the church to move forward with confidence to the many challenges of the new millennium. The Larne minister added, "In this island, many people are being lost to secularism and materialism. Progress just won't happen if we are continually
looking back." Over the next few days, the Assembly will debate a wide range of issues, including parades, ethical investment and homosexuality.