The Bishop of Down and Dromore hit out after a second night of violence in the Newtownards Road area of Belfast earlier this week.
The Bishop said:
“I am deeply troubled by a second night of sectarian violence in the lower Newtownards Road-Short Strand area. Such behaviour is not only reprehensible but inflicts serious damage on a community that has many other difficulties to overcome.
“There is a better future to be enjoyed by every section of Northern Ireland society and we must determine not to be dragged back to the past by those with other, destructive agendas.
“I call on those involved to step away from this violent path and appeal for reason and calm. Please join me in praying for the peace of God to prevail.
See earlier report this site.