Leaders from Northern Ireland's main churches issued a joint statement following their meeting on May 1. The Church Leaders Group includes the Catholic Archbishop of Armagh Eamon Martin, Church of Ireland Archbishop of Armagh John McDowell, Presbyterian Church Moderator Richard Murray, Methodist Church President Alan Wardlow, and Irish Council of Churches President Charles McMullen.

The statement followed the murder of Amy Doherty in Londonderry in March. Connor McNamee, 30, from Summer Meadows Mews in Londonderry, faces a murder charge aggravated by domestic abuse.

The leaders expressed sympathy for families bereaved by violence against women. They noted 30 women murdered in Northern Ireland since 2020, with 21 killed in their homes.

The group condemned all violence against women. They called on politicians to provide emergency services and courts with necessary resources.

Church leaders stated that policies introduced in recent years have not reduced murder rates. They urged long-term cultural shifts to reject misogyny and promote respect for women and girls.

The statement referenced reports describing Northern Ireland as one of Europe's most dangerous places for women.