A Co Antrim church has insisted its premises is to remain a place of Christian worship after a it was targeted with vandalism and a “sinister” threat warning it would be “burnt out”.
Police have said they are liaising with Carrickfergus Community Church over the threat, which was left in the grounds written on a piece of paper.
The church, which hosts community events including a weekly ‘baby bank’ providing families in need with items including clothing and nappies, is now pleading with locals to help by “correcting any misinformation” spread about them.
It is understood local speculation has led to false rumours that a mosque may be planned for the site.
Located in Carrick’s Bridewell Drive area, the church had a new fence recently erected, but the structure was damaged in two separate incidents of vandalism over the past week.
On Tuesday, the note was discovered on the grounds, with the scrawled message ‘fence down or church burnt out’.
The non-denominational church is facing local rumours about its future, a spokesperson revealed in a social media post.
It is understood the false rumours have led some to believe the fence is the first stage in construction of a mosque.
No mosque is planned for the area.
In the Facebook post on Tuesday, the spokesperson said: “Yesterday, we celebrated the installation of our new fence round our green space we’ve owned for the past 18 years.
“Sadly, behind the scenes whilst our new fence was going up we’ve experienced blatant vandalism and this morning a very serious threat has been made against us.”
“We believe there are rumours going round that we are no longer a Christian church and we can assure everyone that this is 100% not true.
“We always have been and remain committed to the Christian faith and practises.”
The spokesperson said further rumour had suggested there was to be a “new building on the newly fenced off green space”.
“Again we can assure everyone that this is 100% not true…we’re excited to have a green space and we’re looking forward to summer community activities.”
They added: “Please help us by correcting any misinformation you hear—and as always, we welcome visitors to our Sunday services so anyone can come along and see for themselves how Jesus is the centre of all we do.”
East Antrim UUP MLA John Stewart said the targeting of the church was “absolutely disgraceful”, and he had visited its pastor to show support.
“I can’t even begin to think what would possess anyone to threaten a local church or their congregation in such a sinister way,” he said.
“Carrickfergus Community Church is at the heart of the local community. The services and support they provide to people from all across the town and further afield are invaluable.”
He added he spoke with the church pastor “to offer my support to him and the entire Community Church congregation”.
“Our thoughts are with them all at this deeply worrying time,” he said.
“I would appeal to anyone with any information about this to please come forward.”
Mid and East Antrim Alliance councillor Aaron Skinner said: “This is a fantastic community church that also delivers vital services such as the baby bank.
“It’s disgusting that anyone would target it in this way and I would urge anyone who knows who’s behind this to contact police.”
PSNI Neighbourhood Inspector Colin Ash said: “A report was received on Tuesday morning, 7th October that a letter threatening to burn a church in the Bridewell Drive area, was located within its grounds.
“We’re investigating a link between the threat and two reports of criminal damage caused to newly installed fencing at the church that were reported to police on Friday, 3rd October and Monday, 6th October.
“Enquiries are ongoing to determine a motive and who was responsible—we’re also continuing to liaise with the church regarding this matter.”
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