Bishops in the Church of Ireland have welcomed as a "historic moment" the announcement from Sinn Fein last weekend that it would support policing.

The party's announcement has opened the road again for the restoration of a power-sharing government between Sinn Fein and the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) at Stormont.

"Following a series of meetings with political parties in Northern Ireland, it is with anticipation of a renewed society that we welcome the vote by Sinn Fein members last Sunday to support policing in Northern Ireland," said a statement by the bishops, which included Bishop Alan Harper, the Archbishop-Elect of Armagh.

The bishops echoed the sentiments of Tony Blair, who welcomed Sinn Fein's vote in favour of the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) as a "historic decision".

"We recognise that deeds will speak louder than words in coming days as republicans seek to build on this commitment. We understand the very real sensitivities in various sectors of the community, but we also acknowledge that this is a historic moment warmly to be welcomed."

The bishops concluded with an appeal to all parties involved to begin work on the next stages of securing a power-sharing government in Northern Ireland.

"We urge all parties in Northern Ireland to work towards the next challenges - democratic elections, the creation of an assembly and the acceptance of responsibilities in the offices of First Minister and Deputy First Minister."

The statement was issued on behalf of:

The Right Reverend Alan Harper, Archbishop-Elect of Armagh, Bishop of Connor
The Right Reverend Ken Clarke, Bishop of Kilmore
The Right Reverend Ken Good, Bishop of Derry and Raphoe
The Right Reverend Richard Henderson, Bishop of Tuam
The Right Reverend Michael Jackson, Bishop of Clogher
The Right Reverend Harold Miller, Bishop of Down and Dromore