Mags Gargan“Callous and cowardly” act calculated to escalate tensions
Bishop Noel Treanor has condemned the vandalism of a Co. Down church as a “callous and cowardly” act of “pointless destruction”.
An overnight attack on Our Lady of the Angels Oratory in Kilkeel left 14 Stations of the Cross damaged along with statues, pews and stained glass windows. The car of Parish priest, Fr Michael Murray was also damaged with bricks.
“The perpetrators of this callous and cowardly action violated a place of worship and left an entire local community appalled, distressed and deeply upset,” Bishop Treanor said.
“This act of pointless destruction was calculated to escalate tensions at a time of the year when every effort must be made by all citizens to promote respect and peace.”
Investigation
The PSNI were called to the scene and are currently investigating the situation, and Bishop Treanor encouraged all who have information in relation to this attack to assist with their investigations.
Sinn Féin councillor Sean Doran said: "All sides of the community are bound to be disgusted by this, it's a total disgrace."
SDLP South Down MP Margaret Ritchie has also condemned the vandalism, saying she joined with the community in South Down “in condemning this attack on this place of worship”.
Bishop Treanor has appealed to all those in positions of leadership, media, community workers, Church ministers, politicians and other organisations to “continue to exercise responsible governance, to condemn with courage such actions as that perpetrated in Kilkeel last night, and to do all within their power to dissipate and calm fears and apprehensions rather than enflame tensions, conscious of the authority and consequences of their public voice”.