Church leaders condemn 'immoral' sectarian attacks

Sectarian attacks on churches, schools and homes were today condemned as immoral by the north's four church leaders.

Following a meeting with Northern Ireland Secretary Peter Hain at Stormont to discuss a summer of violence in Belfast, north Antrim and elsewhere, Catholic Archbishop Sean Brady, Church of Ireland Primate Archbishop Robin Eames, Presbyterian Church leader the Rev Harry Uprichard and Methodist leader the Rev Desmond Bain condemned all attacks.

They said: “The present level of violence on our streets is totally unacceptable.

“On behalf of our churches and members we condemn any words or actions which cause danger to anyone because of their religious or political identity.

“Attacks from any source on churches, schools, halls, homes, the elderly and the young cannot be justified, excused or accepted.

“Apart from their criminality such actions are immoral.”

The church leaders urged all those with influence in the community to join them in condemnation and to reach out to all communities.

They also urged people to not utter any word or do anything which would increase fears.

“There is no substitute for resolute and even handed police action to bring to justice those who are engaged in, encouraging or assisting any form of violence at this time,” they added.