Clifden Church vandalism a ‘devastating attack’

DESTROYED The interior of the Church of the Holy Trinity, Errislannan.

Ciara Galvin

ARCHBISHOP Michael Neary has described the vandalism of a church near Clifden as ‘an act of persecution against all Christians’.
An Garda SíochΡna are currently investigating what has been described as ‘wanton destruction’ of The Church of the Holy Trinity, Errislannan. The destruction of the church, which is used by a number of parishioners and tourists during the summer months, was discovered on Wednesday morning last. Parishioners were met with the Church door hanging off its hinges, pews upended, the pulpit chopped in half, rails torn from walls and subsequently used to smash windows.
A brass altar cross was ripped from its mount and used to cause damage to the Church interior. The Church’s old organ lay in pieces on the floor, while the newer organ had been ‘destroyed utterly’, according to Dioceasan Press Officer Rev Alistair Grimason.
On hearing the news of the vandalism, Church of Ireland Bishop of Tuam, Killala and Anconry, The Right Reverend Patrick Rooke said he was ‘horrified and saddened by the wanton destruction carried out by vandals.’
“I cannot see what possible gain might be achieved by those responsible. Errislannon Church is maintained and used by a very small church-going community in the summer months only and for them this is a most devastating attack on a sacred place,” said Bishop Rooke.

Distressing images
Describing the images of the destruction as ‘distressing’, Archbishop Neary said the damage was ‘not just a criminal act, rather it is an act motivated by anti-Christian sentiment and is a challenge to freedom of religious expression in Ireland today’.
“Over the last 12 months there has been high profile media coverage of the desecration of Christian churches in Iraq and in the Philippines. These actions are a physical threat to worshipping Christians anywhere in the world,” said Archbishop Neary, adding: “Religious freedom is at the heart of human rights and not without cost. In too many countries, places of worship are being destroyed and people are being killed and persecuted for their religious beliefs.”
He extended his support and prayers to Bishop Rooke, and to Reverend Stan Evans, for his ‘bravery and perseverance’.
Despite the church building being destroyed by vandals, parishioners and Priest in Charge of Holy Trinity Errislannan, the Very Reverend Stan Evans are confident it will be restored.
“Even at this early stage, generous offers of assistance are springing up from the local community and beyond. But harder will be the restoration of people’s hearts,” said Rev Evans.
An Garda SíochΡna are actively investigating the matter and anyone with any information can contact Clifden Garda Station on 095 22500.