Following the recent attack on a Nigerian family in Ballybeen, East Belfast, the local churches have issued a joint statement condemning the attack.
Church of Ireland rector of St Mary’s Ballybeen, Revd Mark Harvey, also spoke on Radio Ulster of his disappointment at the actions of a very small minority of the Ballybeen community.
The Public Statement by the Churches of Ballybeen reads:
We the members of churches in Ballybeen stand together with other members of our community in our rejection and condemnation of the recent unprovoked and seemingly racially motivated attacks on a family of Nigerian origin living in our community.
We are saddened that they now feel that it is unsafe for their children that they continue to live in Ballybeen.
We call upon all church members, residents of Ballybeen, political representatives, statutory authorities and community workers to do all that they can to affirm and ensure that this community is a secure place to live for people of all racial and national backgrounds, so that no-one may fear intimidation or expulsion from their homes.
We welcome all who seek the welfare of the wider community, longing to live at peace with those around them, and we commit ourselves to look out for one another as good neighbours.