Hendron condemns "revolting acts of desecration"

12.00.00am GMT Fri 10th Mar 2006

Belfast Alliance Councillor Máire Hendron has stated her revulsion at the attack on a church in Ballyhackamore last evening.

Cllr Hendron stated: "As Chairperson of St. Colmcille's Parish Pastoral Council I am absolutely appalled at the revolting acts of desecration which were perpetrated on my Parish Church during the last week. Along with other offensive acts, excrement was smeared on the tabernacle and the seats which was discovered just prior to our evening mission session.

Racist and anti-Catholic remarks were written on posters and prayer notes prepared by the children who will be Confirmed on Sunday.

"Sadly racist and sectarian behaviour is all too common in our land today. It is totally unacceptable in any civilised society to have attacks on people or property on the grounds of religion or colour.

"I call on all elected representatives, community and Church leaders to speak with one voice in condemning this sickness, and to work together to eliminate it from our society".

ENDS