A CHURCH of Ireland rector said yesterday he felt sorry for the arsonists who badly damaged his church. Canon Donald McClean said the arson attack on Christ Church, at Infirmary Road, on the mainly Catholic city side area of Derry, had dismayed his congregation.
"It is very sad for me as rector but even more sad for the congregation that this should happen again. We were attacked in a similar incident four weeks ago which caused slight fire damage, but this time the damage is clearly much more serious.
"My vestry has been completely destroyed. The organ, which was made 110 years ago, is just a heap of ashes and we've lost part of the roof and altar. I feel sorry for the people who get kicks out of setting fire to a church. Personally, I don't think it's sectarian, even though they daubed `Leave Derry' on the outside wall. I think it's pure vandalism," he said.
Christ Church, which stands just 50 yards from St Eugene's Cathedral, was built in 1830 by Bishop William Knox. Then it was called the Free Church because there was no pew rent. It was built for the poor outside the city walls and originally seated 300. In 1882, it was enlarged to twice its size. The organ was installed in 1866 at a cost of £500.
The Auxiliary Bishop of Derry, Dr Francis Lagan, said those responsible were sick and needed help.
"This is the work of people who are ill and who need to be healed.I know that the people of St Eugene's parish will be very supportive of Canon McClean and his congregation. This attack has saddened and depressed those who worship here. I appeal to them not to be disillusioned or downhearted and to continue to worship here. We need them in this area of the city," he said.
SDLP leader, Mr John Hume, was clearly shaken when he visited Christ Church yesterday morning.
"I have no doubt that I am speaking for the mass of the people of this city in both sections of our community in the utter condemnation of the people who carried out this. Whoever did this is an enemy of everyone in this city. I am expressing the deep anger felt by all sections of our people at what happened here.
"I hope this is not part of an orchestrated campaign against Protestants in this city. I would not understand anyone in a position of responsibility who would want to organise a campaign of this nature. I am expressing the deep anger of all sections of our community," he said.
The Ulster Unionist alderman, Mr John Adams, said the attack sickened him. "This has deeply saddened me. I have served the community of Londonderry for over 30 years and I've never seen anything like this. I would make the appeal that, there must not be any retaliation for this," he said.
Sinn Fein's Northern chairman, Mr Gerry O'Hara, who visited Christ Church, said he sympathised with Canon McClean and his congregation.
"Whoever was responsible for this attack is unrepresentative of nationalists in Derry. These actions serve no purpose other than to alienate our communities and I appeal, to those engaged in these activities to immediately desist," he said.
The blaze was spotted by members of a passing RUC patrol shortly before 4 a.m. Insp Roy Toner said the attack was deliberate.
"Our forensic officers have established that those responsible for this pulled a protective grille off a window ledge. They then smashed the window and poured inflammable liquid into the church and then threw in a lighted rag."