Diocesan News
Statement following sentencing of two men responsible for Christ Church break–in
The following is a joint statement from Archdeacon Robert Miller, Rector of the Christ Church, Culmore, Muff and St Peter’s (CCCMSP) Group of Parishes and Rev Katie McAteer, Pastoral Director, CCCMSP Group of Parishes:
We are thankful that this matter has now been dealt with by the courts and grateful to Judge Philip Babington for the sensitive manner in which he has dealt with what has – for our parishioners – been a most distressing case.
It is of some comfort to us to learn that, in Judge Babington’s words, there was no “religious or sectarian aspect to this offending”. Indeed, since the break–in, we in Christ Church have been blessed and encouraged by the sympathy and support shown to us by well–wishers from right across the community – most notably by our closest neighbours in St Eugene’s Roman Catholic Cathedral.
We take no pleasure from the significant custodial sentences handed down to the two offenders. We do feel, however, that actions have consequences and that all of us should be accountable for our actions before the law.
On behalf of the parishioners of Christ Church, we now consider this matter closed. As Rector and as Pastoral Director, we forgive Harry Duffy and James Kennedy for what they did and will be holding them in our prayers. We hope the two men can learn from this incident and that they will succeed in getting their lives back on track.
For further information please contact:
Mr Paul McFadden
Diocesan Communications Officer, Derry & Raphoe
028 7126 2440
07525 826290
press@derryandraphoe.org