CONTACT is continuing between church leaders and the leader of the Ulster Unionist Party, Mr David Trimble, following a meeting between them yesterday to discuss the crisis.
After the meeting in Armagh, which was hastily convened by the Archbishop of Armagh, Dr Robin Eames, at the suggestion of Mr Trimble, the UUP leader described it as "well worthwhile".
This is the first time a unionist leader has met the leaders of the main churches together.
Mr Trimble expressed his appreciation of the efforts of Dr Eames in convening the meeting, and of the Primate of All Ireland, Cardinal Cahal Daly, who had cut short a visit to Austria to attend the meeting. It was also attended by the Presbyterian Moderator, Dr Harry Allen, and by the Methodist President the Rev Kenneth Best.
Mr Trimble said they discussed the situation and agreed on its seriousness and urgency. "The four leaders will engage in reflection and consultation both separately and collectively They will meet later and he in touch with me", he said. He declined to answer any further questions.
However, the meeting did not produce a solution to the standoff at Drumcree, which has sparked off the worst violence and civil disturbance for over a decade.
But it did produce unanimity among the churchmen on the seriousness of the situation. Dr Eames spoke on behalf of the churchmen when he emerged from the meeting, and said that no questions would be taken from the press. We obviously agreed on the gravity of the situation", he said.
"We will be meeting again quite shortly. In the meantime we will be in touch with each other.
He appealed, to all involved to do everything in their power to take the violence off the streets.
Cardinal Daly endorsed the words of Dr Eames and added. All of us appeal for prayer and reflection on the gravity of the situation. There is need for calm and restraint. We cannot exaggerate the gravity of the situation. I pray God we will pull back from the brink."
He appealed to people, as far as possible, to stay in their own districts.