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09 July 2009

Sectarian Attacks The Community Relations Council condemns the attacks on four Catholic churches in Ballymena this morning.

PRESS RELEASE

Duncan Morrow, Chief Executive of the Community Relations Council, says:

‘The attacks on a number of Catholic churches in Ballymena today are overtly sectarian and contribute nothing to community life or future wellbeing. In the build-up to the traditional Twelfth of July celebrations positive efforts are being made by many to reduce tension. Attacks on Catholic churches and the paint attack on Clifton Street Orange Hall earlier this week are clearly attempts to stir up hatreds and drag us back to sectarian confrontation. This must be resisted.

We have come through too much hatred and violence already. Now is the time to create an atmosphere of respect for difference. Event organisers over this holiday period and political, religious and community leaders should make clear that there is no place for these expressions of sectarian hatred in our shared future.’