Mags GarganA diocese in the North has appealed against attacks on places of worship, as a Belfast church became the latest victim of vandalism this week.
Almost 2,000 crimes have been committed at churches and religious grounds across the North within the last four years. Figures obtained by The Irish News show that thefts and criminal damage made up the majority of offences, while violent and sexual attacks were also common.
The most recent attack saw sectarian slogans and pro-UVF phrases painted on the doors of St Anthony’s Church in Willowfield, east Belfast on Monday night.
“Places of worship hold deep significance for the entire community and for their congregations and they should not be targeted.
“The perpetrators of these cowardly actions, with their violation of the sanctuary of places of worship, leave the entire local community appalled, distressed and deeply upset,” said a spokesperson for the Diocese of Down & Connor.
“They run contrary to the enormous political and social effort made by all citizens to promote respect and peace in the pursuit of a shared future and the good relationships within the broader community.”
PSNI records show a total of 1,818 crimes reported at churches and religious grounds between 2011 and 2014. More than 730 were for theft offences, 613 cases were of criminal damage, 308 were of burglary and 106 were for violence against the person.against the person.