Catholic, Protestant Archbishops Condemn Bonfire Mosque Display

IQNA – In a rare show of cross-community unity, the leaders of Northern Ireland's two largest Christian denominations have jointly condemned the placement of a replica mosque on a loyalist bonfire, describing the act as deeply offensive and inflammatory.

News ID: 3498189

Date: 10 July 2026 - 14:17

Catholic Archbishop of Armagh Eamon Martin and Archbishop John McDowell, Church of Ireland Archbishop of Armagh, were speaking before police moved in to remove a hate display at Moygashel, near Dungannon on Thursday.

The controversial pyre was set alight before the offensive display was removed.

The model mosque is thought to have been placed on the pyre on Wednesday and was due to be lit on Friday as part of the July 12 celebrations on Friday.

Two signs were placed on the pyre reading “secure our borders” and “end the threat of radical Islam”, while a figure holding what appears to be an ISIS flag was also added.

Images circulated on social appear to show banner hung from a fence close to the bonfire with the message “are you concerned with the current direction of our world – the Bible has all the answers”.

It is not known who was responsible for that signage.

In a joint statement the respected Christian church leaders said society “should be appalled at the provocative denigration of symbols associated with faiths that are sincerely held by others”.

“The targeting of the Muslim community through crude symbols and threats of violence by sinister forces undermines these Gospel principles of respect and compassion as well as freedom of religion which is a fundamental principle of a democratic society,” they said.

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The senior church figures added that “the placement of a replica mosque atop a bonfire is grossly offensive and raises tensions so soon after the unrest that destroyed property and severely impacted the lives of individuals and families.

“Christians of all traditions would be aghast at the wanton destruction of Christian imagery,” they said.

“Likewise, we should be appalled at the provocative denigration of symbols associated with faiths that are sincerely held by others.”

The archbishops encouraged Christians to reflect.

“We urge Christians, and all people of good will, to reflect carefully on their actions which can ignite violence against innocent people, all of whom are made in God’s image and are therefore worthy of respect and compassion,” they said.

“We want to assure our Muslim fellow citizens and those who are living and working here of the goodwill and respect of the majority of people here.”

Source: irishnews.com