Condemnation of attack on Ahoghill Catholic Church

Monday May 18th 2020

St Mary’s Catholic Church in Ahoghill was attacked on Friday May 15.

Local clergy have condemned a weekend attack on a Catholic Church in Ahoghill.

In the Friday night incident, paint was thrown over the door and front of St Mary’s Chapel on the Ballynafie Road in the village. Police have described the attack as a hate crime.

In a statement, clergy from other churches, including the Rev Dennis Christie, rector of St Colmanell’s Church of Ireland, condemned ‘without reservation’ the paint attack on St Mary’s Chapel.

“At the heart of Protestantism is the strong belief in civil and religious liberty for all,” the statement said. “Those who carry out such an attack are not doing it for Protestantism or advancing Protestantism in any way.

“We want to assure our Catholic neighbours of our love and full support for them at this time. God is love and we repeat and encourage our people to obey the call of Jesus to love all your neighbours.”

The statement was also signed by the Rev William Moody (Brookside Presbyterian); the Rev Mark Neilly (First Ahoghill Presbyterian); and the Rev Brian Smyth (Trinity Presbyterian).

Anyone with information about this attacked is asked to contact the Police Service of Northern Ireland.

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