The Irish government was represented by Simon Coveney (pictured) and chief whip, Jack Chambers One way or another, we're obsessing about them again, and being distracted from really thinking about what a good society would look like. The Church of Ireland Primate of All Ireland, John McDowell, said: 'We obsessed about some things, especially borders. 'If we are to build a better future, then we must recognise our own woundedness and our responsibility to care for the wounds of one another.' 'I have to face the difficult truth that perhaps we in the churches could have done more to deepen our understanding of each other and to bring healing and peace to our divided and wounded communities.'ĭavid Bruce, Moderator of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland, said: 'I grieve the times when fear has held us back from building relationships with those with whom we differ. The leaders of Ireland's main churches delivered their personal reflections on the creation of Northern Ireland at the centenary service in Armagh.Ĭatholic Primate of All Ireland Eamon Martin said: 'I reflect as a church leader on the last 100 years. 'As we lament our failures, sorrows and pain, and recognise our wounded yet living history, may we with a united voice commit ourselves to work together for the common good, in mutual respect and with shared hope for a light-filled, prosperous and peaceful future.' And, yet, it has also on occasion brought us together. Welcoming the congregation to the service, he said: 'Our past has shaped us and scarred us, it has divided us. The Service of Reflection and Hope in Armagh began with the ringing of the cathedral bell before the Dean of Armagh, Rev Shane Forster, sent his good wishes to the Queen. The Irish government was represented by Mr Coveney and chief whip, Jack Chambers. The service became the centre of a row last month after the president of Ireland, Michael D Higgins, declined an invitation to attend because he believed it was not politically neutral. Originally from Sierra Leone, he is the first African-born leader of one of Ireland's main churches. The sermon was delivered by the president of the Methodist Church in Ireland, Dr Sahr Yambasu. The Queen was represented by the Lord-Lieutenant of Co Armagh Lord Caledon.Ībout 150 people attended the service, including a number of schoolchildren. She also had engagements last week at the Welsh Senedd in Cardiff and Westminster Abbey in London.Īlso at today's service at St Patrick's Cathedral were Northern Ireland Secretary Brandon Lewis, First Minister Paul Givan, DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson, UUP leader Doug Beattie, moderate nationalist SDLP leader Colum Eastwood and Alliance leader Naomi Long. The Queen has had a busy few days and hosted a major global investment summit at Windsor Castle yesterday evening. The 95-year-old monarch - who has been seen using a walking stick at engagements over the past week - is said to be in good spirits but disappointed not to be able to carry out the two-day trip. The Queen is still expected to meet world leaders at the Cop26 climate change conference in Glasgow despite cancelling her trip to Northern Ireland after she last night 'reluctantly accepted medical advice to rest for the next few days'. Mr Johnson elbow bumps student Billy Wilson from the City of Armagh High School during the service