NORTHERN IRELAND: BALLYMENA: LOYALISTS PICKET CATHOLIC CHURCH

(7 Dec 1996) English/Nat

A loyalist picket of a Catholic church in Ballymena, County Antrim passed off largely peacefully Saturday

Protestant clergy congregated outside the church, recently subjected to terrorist attacks and ensured the Catholic congregation could worship in peace.

It's a remarkable show of solidarity between Catholics and Protestants in Northern Ireland.

The scene was set for a showdown but on this occasion the spirit of tolerance prevailed.

This is Our Lady's Catholic church at Harryville, a predominantly pro-British Protestant neighborhood in south Ballymena.

It has been a centre of tensions in Northern Ireland since Protestants began picketing Saturday night services.

Protesters have been menacing Catholic worshippers for three months and trying to stop them going to church.

Now Protestants are helping them and ensuring they can worship safely.

This Saturday, churchmen from Protestant churches throughout the town gathered at the church to show their solidarity with the Catholic worshippers.

Riot police were on the scene to ensure there was no trouble.

There was mild pushing and shoving but riot police managed to keep it in check and there were only two arrests.

Only two people were arrested during minor stone-throwing incidents.

The minister at Ballymena Presbyterian Church spoke on behalf of all of those who gathered in solidarity with the worshippers.

He said that it was to make them see they are not alone.

SOUNDBITE:
'This is may I say spontaneous, word of mouth since about Thursday. There was no attempt to gather the troops and to bring then to this place at all, that's not our purpose, it is simply to let these folk in here know they are not alone.'
SUPER CAPTION: Reverend Russel Birney

Protestants from throughout the area came out in sympathy.

Ballymena's Protestant mayor, James Currie, also attended.

He was chatting with and greeting the congregants and showing his support.

SOUNDBITE:
The people of Ballymena want their Roman Catholic neighbours to have civil and religious liberty and I would say to the people of Harryville here, I apologise for the inconvenience, I am very sorry for you. I know that the vast majority of Harryville people are decent, hardworking , honest people and want nothing to do with this protest and to the members of the RUC, you still have all my confidence and respect and you did a great job here tonight."
SUPER CAPTION: James Currie - Ballymena's Protestant mayor

Mobs have thrown gasoline bombs, firecrackers, eggs and bottles at lines of riot police protecting this church.

And this week tension has increased with arsonists damaging three local Catholic schools and attacking three homes occupied by Catholics.

As the congregants filed out after their service, Protestants were singing hymns.

This event marks the first time that Protestant leaders openly challenged the militants.

This Catholic lady has been joined by a Protestant friend.

She was clearly overwhelmed by the whole thing.

SOUNDBITE:
"Just so many faces here tonight. I just feel very emotional. But very nice."
SUPER CAPTION: Catholic Voxpop

They all agree Catholics should be able to worship as they please.

But the protesters insist they will continue until Catholic militants in nearby Dunloy allow members of the Orange Order, the province's main Protestant organisation, to march through that village.

Protesters led by members of the IRA-allied Sinn Fein party this summer blocked traditional Protestant marches that pass near Catholic turf, including several in Dunloy.


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