'A frenzy of violence and hatred, my saddest night in the east': Christian leaders speak out after trouble flares at anti-immigration protests
Christian leaders have spoken out after trouble flared at anti-immigration protests, with one high-ranking Methodist saying Tuesday was “the saddest night” he has seen during his time in east Belfast.
Rev Brian Anderson from East Belfast Mission said he was sworn at when he tried to challenge “a man in his 40s who orchestrating” much younger people who were building a barricade across Newtownards Road, adding that damage was caused to the building the mission is in when a Glider was burned out next to it.
But he promised to keep the building open to serve the community, comparing it to flinging open the doors of an area Methodist church at midnight on Tuesday to give refuge to families evacuated from Lendrick and McMaster streets after homes and cars were set alight and vandalised.
An Anglican bishop also condemned the violence, stating the perpetrators “don’t speak for the majority” in Northern Ireland.
Rev Anderson, also chair of the council on social responsibility of the Methodist Church in Ireland, said it was “devastating” to see the Skainos community centre damaged.
A Glider bus was set on fire next to the community centre, flames from the vehicle also hitting the community centre which is home to the East Belfast Mission.
Pledged Rev Anderson: “It will be fixed and we will be open today to be with and serve our community.”
In a statement on social media that was reposted by the Methodist Church in Ireland’s national accounts, he added that he doesn’t believe “the thugs knew the cars they decided to burn” on Lendrick Street and McMaster Street belonged to immigrants.
“Anarchy set in and a frenzy started of violence and hatred, ending up in families being escorted away in the back of police wagons” he stated. “They would not stop, it was crazy.
“The strange constant was when the police ambulance and fire services arrived the guys in hoodies cleared the way for them to gain access.”
The east Belfast community, he stated, is “not at one on immigration”.
“I believe the majority want to welcome and live with their new neighbours,” said Rev Anderson. “There are some who see it differently and we need to provide a place for that voice, but violence is never the answer. Many will continue to work to develop the community of East Belfast.
“I am a follower of Jesus and the reading for this Sunday is to welcome the stranger. I believe that and will preach that, and help grow a community that examples it.”
Meanwhile the Church of Ireland’s Bishop of Down and Dromore, the Right Reverend David McClay, stated the violence “should be condemned by all right-thinking people”.
He stated: “Those who choose to damage local communities, putting people of all ages at risk and especially the most vulnerable, do not speak for the majority in our society.
“I also condemn in the strongest possible terms the horrific attack on a young man on the previous evening and all such attacks, and pray for his recovery.
“We need to redouble our efforts at this time to work together for the welfare, safety and flourishing of all in our communities. We pray for blessing and peace to be visited upon our streets.”