SDLP East Derry MLA John Dallat has called on people from all traditions to renew their determination to reconciliation and improving our communities.
He was speaking after attending a service in Christ Church, Derry following an attack on the place of worship last week.
The MLA said: “Whether we describe the disgusting break-in to this beautiful church as sectarianism or vandalism is not important, what is shocking is that there are individuals or groups within our communities who are of a mind to break into a church and desecrate that place of worship.
“I felt it was important to be here with my family to support the congregation and the community at an extremely challenging time.
“We were delighted to meet some of the most wonderful people here who bear no ill will to anyone else and who hope that our political parties can begin to charter a better way forward for everyone.
“The present political impasse is fuel for those who want to pull our communities back into their trenches. We must all resist those influences.
“The issues facing us are undoubtedly challenging. But we have overcome much bigger challenges than this before. We have displayed political generosity, on all sides, to resolve our differences. That’s what is needed now.
“In the past churches of all denominations were targeted, bombed, burned and vandalised.
Archdeacon Robert Miller inspecting the damage to the organ at Christ Church
“The attack on Christ Church should be a reminder to all of us that we cannot sit on the fence or play hard ball when we should be sitting down to resolve those issues and leading by example.
“We should particularly practice that during Community Relations Week.”