Churches welcome clarity and urge its speedy implementation

Church reaction: Church leaders have welcomed the IRA statement, while calling on the organisation to match its words with deeds.

The Catholic Archbishop of Armagh, Dr Seán Brady, said: "Every word and deed that helps to foster peace is to be welcomed. In that spirit, I warmly welcome today's very clear and significant statement by the IRA."

Church of Ireland Archbishop Dr Robin Eames described the move as a "significant development", but warned that "its sincerity remains to be tested".

"The IRA statement could herald the beginning of a period of transition from violence to peaceful and democratic coexistence - but only if words lead to clear and unambiguous action," he said.

"In dealing with this situation, there is a need for government to recognise that if a period of stability and peaceful coexistence is to become a reality in Northern Ireland, there is a moral imperative to be seen to act fairly and openly towards all communities and to accept that there are moral principles which should supersede political expediency."

The Archbishop of Dublin, Dr John Neill, welcomed the "clarity" of the assertion that IRA members have been instructed to engage in political and democratic programmes through exclusively peaceful means. The commitment to complete the decommissioning process was also welcome, though much rested on its speedy implementation, he said.

The Presbyterian Church also welcomed the statement in the context of the biblical injunction to "live in harmony with one another". Rev Lesley Carroll described it as a "significant move" in the direction of peace.