The Archbishops of Armagh and Dublin of the Church of Ireland have offered their prayer and support to the people of South Africa on the occasion of the death of Nelson Mandela.

From The Most Revd Dr Richard Clarke, Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland:

‘The death of Nelson Mandela marks the end of an era. He represented for all of us a new beginning for all the people of South Africa.

‘His powerful faith in a better future for all sustained his country through the birth pangs of creating a new and finer society.

‘I join with so many others in remembering the people of South Africa in my thoughts and prayers at this time.’

+Richard Armagh

From the Most Revd Dr Michael Jackson, Archbishop of Dublin:

“The whole world unites in sadness at the news of the death of Nelson Mandela.

“We in Ireland express our sympathy to his family and to the people of South Africa with whom he suffered and among whom he did so much to bring unity in his country.

“A lifetime’s commitment to equality and the dignity of the human person has made Nelson Mandela a household name for all generations worldwide.

“Personal stamina and generous beliefs led him to champion a better world for everyone, however uphill the struggle continues to be.

“We are all the better for the inspiration he has been and for the passion he has shared in a long life.”

Books of condolences will open from tomorrow morning in St Patrick’s Cathedral, Dublin, from 9.00 am to 5.30 pm for the next seven days. All will be very welcome to come in and mark the passing of Nelson Mandela and light a candle in his memory.

In Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin, books of condolences will be available from this morning between the hours of 9.00 am and 5.00 pm and all are welcome to come and sign the book for the next seven days.

+Michael Dublin