Observatory on Intolerance and Discrimination against Christians in Europe / Facebook
CV NEWS FEED // Authorities are treating a fire that caused “substantial damage” to Greenisland Church of Ireland on September 1 as arson, according to a recent report from The Irish News.
The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service, according to The Irish News, stated that the “[t]he cause of the fire is believed to have been deliberate ignition. It is thought that bins were set alight and the fire had spread to the nearby buildings.”
The Fire Service confirmed that their crews managed to bring the fire under control by the evening of September 2, the report stated. The fire had begun on the evening of September 1 .
The Anglican Bishop of Connor, Rev. George Davison, described the fire as “heart-breaking” in a September 1 Facebook post, noting that the church’s 70th anniversary had been celebrated earlier that day.
According to the Irish News report, firefighters were able to rescue several photographs and heirlooms that had been displayed for the anniversary celebration.
In his Facebook post, Rev. Davison expressed gratitude that no one was injured and extended his thanks to the Fire Service and the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) for their response.
