THERE has been widespread condemnation of an arson attack on a Catholic church on the outskirts of north Belfast. Serious smoke and water damage was caused to St Colman's Church, on the Station Road, in Greenisland, when a fire started early yesterday.
The Church of Ireland Primate, Archbishop Robin Eames, condemned the attack "without reservation". He said that sectarianism was "a cancer" and those who encouraged it were "a disgrace to their religion and community".
The parish priest, Father Hugh Crossan, said the attack was "mindless destruction" which had left the church a "complete mess".
The Bishop of Down and Connor, Dr Patrick Walsh, yesterday visited the church. He said it was disgraceful that thousands of pounds worth of damage had been caused by the attack.
The Ulster Unionist MP, Mr Roy Beggs, described the attack as "a vile act". It was also condemned by an Alliance councillor, Mr Sean Neeson. A local Presbyterian minister, the Rev Douglas Armstrong, said he was "appalled" by the fire.
A Sinn Fein councillor, Mr. Joe Austin, it was a "deplorable act" designed to intimidate Catholics.