Church heads' message of hope

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The leaders of the four main Christian denominations in Ireland have delivered their Christmas messages.

The head of the Catholic Church, Cardinal Sean Brady, described the child abuse scandal as "horrendous".

The Church of Ireland primate Archbishop Alan Harper called for help for those affected by the recession.

Presbyterian leader Rev Stafford Carson focused on the problems caused by alcohol. Methodist moderator Donald Kerr said it had been a "testing" year.

He added: "Foundations have been shaken in church and state. There are still forces and tensions in our society which could drive us apart if we, through design or negligence, allow them.

"How shall we use this crisis? Where our struggles have forced us to take an honest look at our lives, values and culture, and to ask for a fresh sense of God's direction for us, the crisis will not have been wasted.

"The good news of Christmas is that God has not abandoned us to our confusion and shame."

Hope

Cardinal Brady said that Christmas could provide hope in dark times.

"Many are experiencing the fullness of difficulties with the economic recession, the unprecedented flooding and the horrendous scandal of child abuse.

"And yet, it is precisely into this agonising, here and now of our world, our country and our Church, that Jesus comes with his blessing.

"He comes to tell us the outstanding good news of God's healing love and mercy, for he is God's word of ever faithful love, coming to bring us fresh joy and hope."

Reverend Stafford Carson focused almost all of his message on the dangers of abusing alcohol.

He said: "Christmas and New Year is a time for families, parties and enjoyment and as we anticipate this joyful season, we need to remember that the excessive use of alcohol will only result in sadness and disaster. Please consider carefully your use of alcohol at the Christmas season."

Cruel

Archbishop Alan Harper of the Church of Ireland used his message to call upon high street banks to be sensitive with customers in difficulty.

"Some of the banks that were bailed out with billions of pounds of public money in order to maintain a system intended to provide appropriate credit in support of business are in some instances cruelly penalizing the businesses of reliable clients," he said.

"It is inevitable that in such circumstances some declare that a greeting of "Happy Christmas!" is unfeeling or inappropriate.

"However, I think we need to hear the salutation and with it see evidence that those who say it mean it."