Ireland's Primates, Archbishop Robin Eames and Archbishop Sean Brady, deliver talks at Rathfarnham Parish, Dublin in a Lenten series of lectures

Extracts from address by Archbishop Robin Eames

The inheritance of the troubles

"Behind the current state of the political part of the Peace Process are the human consequences of over 30 years of paramilitary violence and destruction. When people talk about the Peace Process they usually mean political matters only. But the real Peace Process is to do with people's lives, outlooks, relationships, hopes and fears. Politics must provide the structure for stable government and administration. But without the support and understanding of people in their everyday lives political progress will be limited...

Consequences of the troubles

We are now seeing the depths of what was done to ordinary human lives by those years of the Troubles.

- Trust was shattered - and still trust remains the real casualty of those years.

- Fear became a reality - not just physical fear, but fear of hidden agendas and motives.

- Paramilitary power destroyed lives - and today continues to control how many people live.

- Despondency overcame hopes for the future - today our society still seeks a new confidence in itself.

- Suffering and division caused memories which haunt too many lives today - the power of memory is one of today's controlling factors in Northern Ireland community life.

Memories

The memories of so much of those 30 years cast their shadow over life in Northern Ireland today. How we deal with those memories will dictate the sort of society we are - or can become. Negative memories of loss, suffering and alienation reinforce resentment. The sense of hurt plays into the hands of those who still want to divide people.

I do not believe an exact copy of the South African Truth and Reconciliation Commission would meet the needs of Northern Ireland. But there is no doubt there is healing when people are free to tell their story - and to believe people are listening. The Church has an important role here. I suggest that the pastoral role of the Church in providing a platform to allow hurt and grievance to be listened to needs to be examined.

Forgotten people

Undoubtedly the most forgotten people in Northern Ireland today are the victims of the Troubles. They are found in all our communities. They believe society has moved away from them - that they are yesterday's people. Over the years I have met many of them - their sense of being forgotten is obvious. They no longer feel society cares about them.

The price of progress

There is a crucial question for society to address. As history moves on what price is it prepared to pay for progress?

When we say 'let the past bury itself' so that we can move on - what price a new sheet? Can Northern Ireland move on in any real sense by shutting the door completely on the lessons of the past?

Of course progress means taking risks - but there are some aspects of our past which will never be forgotten as long as they are perceived to be unanswered.

Major moral issues for Northern Ireland

There is a major aspect of Northern Ireland's experience which I feel as a Church leader entitled to raise.

It is the moral issue of what is the price we are asked to pay for peace?

Is expediency justified for political reasons?

Of course progress to peace means taking risks - but is there a limit to those risks if we can enjoy a society which is built on moral principles?

Is there a price too great to pay if it will produce peace at any cost?

The Troubles have lessened the sanctity of life - life is cheap - how long can we tolerate that attitude if we are to build a moral society?

The Troubles have eroded the nature of truth and integrity - are we prepared to allow that to continue?

While major atrocities have thankfully ended we are being asked to accept levels of violence - how long can society be expected to endure this before a real grip is taken on those who peddle violence in many areas?

How far have the Troubles eroded standards of basic morality in how we deal with each other, particularly in the political arena?

The answers to questions such as these will determine to a large extent the sort of society which will ultimately emerge in Northern Ireland.