The leaders of the four main Churches in Ireland have issued a joint call to all sides to banish sectarianism and seize the opportunity for a shared future.

With the pressure on to restore devolution and cement the political process in Northern Ireland, the clergymen appealed for the public to pray for an end to prejudice in the year ahead, reports The Press Association.

Church of Ireland Archbishop Robin Eames, Catholic Archbishop Sean Brady, Methodist President the Rev Ivan McElhinney and Presbyterian Moderator the Rev David Clarke issued a joint statement setting out the excitement and fears of what is to come.

They said: "In Northern Ireland we once again face a year of decision which will affect our future and that of our children and grandchildren.

"The decisions we make will either take us forward into a shared future with a mindset of moving forward together or leave us in the past trapped by our grudges and prejudices."

The wait is on to see if the Democratic Unionists and Sinn Fein can reach agreement on a deal which would see the return of the power-sharing government in Belfast.

Sinn Fein chief negotiator Martin McGuinness revealed earlier in the week that considerable progress had been made over Christmas in talks involving Prime Minister Tony Blair and Irish Taoiseach Bertie Ahern.

But the Church leaders reminded everyone of their individual responsibility in securing peaceful unity in Northern Ireland.

"As Christians we believe our future is in God`s hands and we would ask people to join us in prayer seeking guidance for ourselves, wisdom for our politicians and leaders and for the good of all our fellow citizens," they said.

"We ask everyone to reject those words, attitudes and actions which fuel prejudice and sectarianism.

"In this way we believe everyone can play a significant part in finding a way forward around which we can all unite in a spirit of equality and respect for one another."