Church welcomes resolution to St Patrick's stand-off

The Church of Ireland has welcomed the peaceful resolution to the occupation by Afghan asylum seekers of St Patrick's Cathedral.

A statement issued by the Archbishop of Armagh, the Archbishop of Dublin and the Dean of St Patrick's Cathedral, welcomed the news that the crisis had been brought to a conclusion.

"We are overjoyed at the news that the Afghan asylum seekers that have been on hunger strike in St Patrick's Cathedral since Sunday have calmly and quietly left the Cathedral under instructions of An Garda Síochana," the statement read.

"We commend the Gardaí for their skill and determination in bringing this to a successful and peaceful conclusion," it said.

"We would also like to extend our warm thanks to everyone who has offered their assistance and support throughout these difficult days.

"Our concern for the welfare of these asylum seekers has not ended today and we urge people to pray for them, to listen to their concerns on an individual basis and seek ways of addressing them.

"We ask all of our parishes to remember all concerned in their prayers tomorrow."

The statement was signed by the Archbishop of Armagh, the Most Revd Dr Robin Eames, the Archbishop of Dublin, the Most Revd Dr John Neill, and the Dean of St Patrick's, the Very Revd Dr Robert McCarthy