Archbishops in Northern Ireland have condemned the placing of a replica mosque on top of a unionist bonfire as “grossly offensive”. 

The effigy, accompanied by signs of “end the threat of radical Islam” and “secure our borders”, appeared on the pyre in Moygashel, County Tyrone. 

It was burned ahead of Orange Order marches on Sunday, marking the Protestant victory of King William III over Catholics at the Battle of the Boyne in 1690. 

Archbishops Eamon Martin and John McDowell, Primates of All Ireland in the Catholic Church and Church of Ireland respectively, issued a joint statement to denounce the symbol. 

“Jesus tells the story of the Good Samaritan [Luke 10:25-37] to teach his disciples that they have a duty to those who differ from them in terms of religious belief and cultural tradition.  Jesus teaches that people who differ from us are not simply to be tolerated; they are to be respected, cared for and loved.”

“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.”

The archbishops said it was “grossly offensive and raises tensions” soon after riots in Northern Ireland. They urged people 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.”

“Christians of all traditions would be aghast at the wanton destruction of Christian imagery.  Likewise, we should be appalled at the provocative denigration of symbols associated with faiths that are sincerely held by others”, they added. 

The Moygashel Bonfire Association has defended the effigy as a “political protest” against “uncontrolled illegal mass immigration” and a “failure to deport” foreign criminals. A social media statement said the group was exercising its free speech rights; that it “may well shock, offend or outrage others”.