Ted Roach
March 10th, 2006, 08:02 PM
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/northern_ireland/4793496.stm
A Catholic church in east Belfast has been targeted by vandals who daubed racist slogans.
Graffiti and excrement were daubed on the inside walls of St Colmcille's Church on the Upper Newtownards Road.
The parish priest said the attack was racially motivated. It was reported to police at about 2000 GMT on Thursday but details have just been released.
Father Paddy Delargy said a small section of society seems unable to accept those from other countries.
Fr Delargy said: "There is a sickness in our society which does seem to be racist," he said.
There seems to be a fixation with writing disparaging remarks about children.
"These are offensive remarks, which is most unfortunate."
The church is currently hosting a parish mission.
'Absolutely disgraceful'
Racist slogans had been daubed on posters promoting the mission, said Fr Delargy.
"This is the third time that this has happened," he said.
"We have Indians and quite a number of Filipinos who come regularly to the church."
Fr John Hannah from Belfast's Clonard Monastery, which is behind the mission, said he felt sad about what happened.
A Catholic church in east Belfast has been targeted by vandals who daubed racist slogans.
Graffiti and excrement were daubed on the inside walls of St Colmcille's Church on the Upper Newtownards Road.
The parish priest said the attack was racially motivated. It was reported to police at about 2000 GMT on Thursday but details have just been released.
Father Paddy Delargy said a small section of society seems unable to accept those from other countries.
Fr Delargy said: "There is a sickness in our society which does seem to be racist," he said.
There seems to be a fixation with writing disparaging remarks about children.
"These are offensive remarks, which is most unfortunate."
The church is currently hosting a parish mission.
'Absolutely disgraceful'
Racist slogans had been daubed on posters promoting the mission, said Fr Delargy.
"This is the third time that this has happened," he said.
"We have Indians and quite a number of Filipinos who come regularly to the church."
Fr John Hannah from Belfast's Clonard Monastery, which is behind the mission, said he felt sad about what happened.