The Catholic and Church of Ireland Primates of All Ireland, Eamon Martin and John McDowell, accused London of setting up its Northern Secretary as a "commissar" to adjudicate over countless murders and crimes.

The Archbishops also say they are baffled by the "liberal scattering like fairy dust" of the word "reconciliation" in the legislation, which is due to make its way through the House of Lords in Westminster this week. Read more

A Constitutional Convention has recommended removing the blasphemy provision, following overwhelming support for this in submissions.

But a date for a referendum has yet to be decided.

The Church of Ireland's David Pierpont, Archdeacon of Dublin, told a service that caution should be used when changing the constitution, especially on issues of morality.

The Archdeacon said the law, although essential for the conduct of human affairs, has a "limited place in them".

Law is there to protect the weak and at times we all need that protection, he said.

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