Nationalist and unionist politicians have condemned sectarian attacks on two Catholic churches in Co Antrim. The church at Aughnahoy in Portglenone was badly damaged in an arson attack in the early hours of yesterday morning. The church in Harryville in Ballymena was spattered with red, white and blue paint.
Flammable liquid was poured through a window in the back of the disused church in Portglenone and set alight. There was fire damage to the church and smoke damage throughout the building.
The church at Harryville in Ballymena was targeted late on Wednesday night. It was the scene of loyalist protests against Catholics attending Saturday night Masses in the late 1990s.
The Finance Minister, Mr Sean Farren of the SDLP, condemned the attacks. "This type of incident at this particular time of the year heightens tension and fear in the local community. I would appeal for calm in the coming days."
"On the eve of the Twelfth these incidents are clearly designed to let Catholics know they are not wanted," he added.
The First Minister, Mr David Trimble, condemned the attacks and also recent sectarian attacks on three Orange halls in Co Down. "These mindless attacks serve no purpose but fuel further division in our community. I unreservedly condemn them and call on those responsible to think about the consequences of their actions and stop immediately," he added.
The North's security minister, Ms Jane Kennedy, said: "I utterly condemn these attacks on places of worship."
A Sinn Féin councillor, Mr Philip McGuigan, said: "These attacks are part of a wider loyalist campaign which has been ongoing throughout this area over the past year. This campaign has seen continuous loyalist attacks on churches, schools and homes."
