A joint statement has been released by two Church of Ireland bishops in response to an outbreak of racially-motivated violence in Belfast. 

Crowds shouting anti-immigrant slurs gathered outside Belfast City Hall over the weekend, with many targeting the businesses of shop owners they believed to be immigrants.

Windows were smashed and fires lit, with shop owners barricading themselves inside in fear. 

Unusually for Northern Ireland, Irish tricolours and Union Jacks were seen being waved side by side during the unrest. 

The Bishop of Connor, Rt Revd George Davison, and the Bishop of Down and Dromore, Rt Revd David McClay, condemned the violence in a joint statement. 

They said: “Words and actions that lead to violence on our streets, the damage of property, and putting the safety of people at risk cannot be condoned but must be condemned by all of us.

“In the parable of the Good Samaritan, Jesus Christ taught that our neighbour is the person whom we meet, whatever their background, race or belief. It is imperative on the Church then, in every local context, to find ways to welcome the stranger, to care for the refugee, and to extend God’s love, kindness, grace and care to every person that we meet. In reaching towards others with welcome and blessing in every way we can, we demonstrate faithfulness to the call of Jesus and a better way to live.

“We have made strides forward in Northern Ireland in terms of reconciliation and the pursuit of all that makes for peace.

“This is a time for all of us to work together, pursuing acts of welcome and kindness which are always stronger and more powerful than anything that flows from fear and prejudice.”