Attacks on Belfast Catholic church, synagogue bring broad condemnation

July 21, 2014

A fire set at a Catholic church in Belfast drew condemnations from religious and civic leaders in Northern Ireland.

The door of St. Mary Star of the Sea church was scorched, but other damage was not severe. A Catholic Church spokesman condemned the "cowardly and destructive attack" and noted that it was "completely at variance with the very strong cross-community relationships experienced by local clergy and parishioners."

The arson attack on July 20 was classified as a hate crime-- as was the vandalism reported the same weekend at a Belfast synagogue.

 

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Further information:

• Community unites to condemn arson attack on Catholic church in north Belfast (Belfast Telegraph)