The new Moderator of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland, Dr John Dixon, last night criticised people who complain about politicians.
"Despite the fact that we elected them to leadership, people often carp and criticise and abuse them. God's people should not respond so.
"I call upon all our members in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland to pray for all our political leaders so that they may act justly, speak truthfully and love mercy."
Dr Dixon was giving the opening address at the Presbyterian Church's General Assembly, which opened in Belfast last night and continues until Friday.
He also praised the security forces North and South. "In both jurisdictions (they) have made a costly contribution to society's safety. As one born and raised in the Republic of Ireland I salute those who have prevented death and destruction by their vigilance and service within that jurisdiction.
"Having ministered in Northern Ireland over the past 30 years I pay tribute to the fortitude, courage and discipline of all elements of the security forces, especially the RUC who have served at such cost to themselves and their families. Tonight we express our heartfelt gratitude and appreciation. "
Addressing the victims of violence, Dr Dixon urged them to trust in the judgment of God and reminded them that Christians needed to forgive their enemies.
"Commit your cause to the Sovereign God who judges justly. He will not turn a blind eye to the sins of the guilty," he said.
"Forgiveness is not the same as justice, it is not pardon. It does not free the guilty from the consequences of their sin."
Dr Dixon also said that there were those who would say religion had "brought us our problems . . . It must be conceded that religion and religiosity have inflicted pain in our society and given God a bad press." But in his view the problem was one of relationships.
"The absence of right relationships is our problem. Too often God, the sovereign God, is left out of the reckoning," he said.
The outgoing Moderator, Dr Sam Hutchinson, told the Assembly that "Northern Ireland now faces an election every bit as important as the recent referendum. There are harsh facts about our recent history to be faced, including the vast number of grieving hearts to be comforted.
"In a community marked by sincere and deep differences of opinion over the Belfast Agreement, the way ahead will be made smoother if it's clear that important commitments entered into in the Mitchell Principles, and solemn assurances recently given, are going to be honoured quickly and fully," he said.
