The Catholic Primate of All Ireland and Archbishop of Armagh, Dr Seán Brady, has called upon Catholics in the North to set aside their suspicions and co-operate fully with the PSNI, with particular reference to the investigation into the murder of Belfast man Robert McCartney.
Indicating that it was not enough for people to bring forward information to solicitors or Police Ombudsman Nuala O'Loan, Dr Brady said that the very existence of an ombudsman should be enough to allay fears some Catholics have about the PSNI.
"Surely it is time for Catholics in Northern Ireland to set aside their historic reservations about the police, however well founded they may have been, and to assume their full civic responsibility for an agreed and representative system of law and order," he said.
Speaking last night at a lecture in Dublin, Dr Brady praised the McCartney family as they continued in their efforts "to ensure justice for their brother".
"I would like to express my wholehearted support to the calls from the McCartney family for anyone with information about this vicious and brutal murder to come forward to police," he said, adding: "It is not consistent with the principle of freedom for people to present this information in a way which cannot be used to secure a conviction."
Also speaking at the lecture in Rathfarnham parish was the Church of Ireland Primate Archbishop Robin Eames, who questioned the moral price that the people of the North were being asked to pay for peace.
"The Troubles have lessened the sanctity of life. Life is cheap. How long can we tolerate that attitude if we are to build a moral society?" he asked. "We are being asked to accept levels of violence, but how long can society be expected to endure this before a real grip is taken on those who peddle violence in many areas?"
Ending on a positive note, Dr Brady said that the current impasse in the peace process could turn out to be "that moment of darkness before the dawn".