Morning service went ahead as normal at Christchurch, Infirmary Road, in Derry yesterday, hours after an arson attack. Petrol was poured on two doors at the rear of the building and set alight and a rubber mat was set on fire and placed against the front door.
Christchurch, on Derry's city side, was founded in 1830, and more than 300 families, mostly from the Waterside, worship there. The Rector, Rev Donald McClean, did not think it was motivated by sectarianism.
"It was malicious rather than sectarian. There has been a lot of vandalism in the area around the church and I think this was caused by people just out to create damage rather than anything sectarian," he said.
Residents saw three men running away from the church when the fire was reported. The police have appealed for information on the attack. Members of the congregation praised local residents and the fire service for their quick response, which they say prevented the fire from spreading throughout the church.