In the mentioned common declaration, the heads of the Church of Ulster acknowledged that "a lot has still to be done so that the whole population of Ireland can share a common future". "In particular, we are aware that, for many people, past sufferings are still present", they said, and "since we are in charge of the Church, we invite all the Christians to thank God for all the reached goals, and to pray so that those who will govern our community in future days may receive assistance and courage". After a gory conflict lasting 30 years, the agreement on the sharing of power, subscribed last March 27th, put an end to a long and complex process of peace, started over ten years ago and marked, among other things, by the Holy Friday Agreement in 1998, following which, two years ago, the IRA (Irish Republican Army) decided to give up armed struggle.
