The latest arson attack on a church at Annaclone, Co Down, was described yesterday by the MP for the area, Mr Eddie McGrady of the SDLP, as "wanton and senseless destruction".
Mr McGrady said. "The latest arson attack is obviously an attempt to create division and heighten tensions in the local community. I hope that such evil persons prove unsuccessful."
However, the Ulster Unionist East Derry MP, Mr William Ross, called on people to think before they rush to condemn such offences.
Following revelations at the weekend that loyalists were responsible for an arson attack on a Protestant Church in east Belfast, Mr Ross said, "Until the persons causing the damage are brought before the court could I suggest that people stop and think before they rush out with a statement of condemnation."