Dallat ‘appalled’ by church graffiti

McAuley Multimedia 20th September 2015...Graffiti on the wall at the Salvation community church on Ballycastle road in Coleraine .It appeared at the weakend saying 'No refugees welcome' a clear message for refugees that may be located in Coleraine.PICTURE STEVEN MCAULEY/MCAULEY MULITMEDIA

He said: “I have the highest regard for the Salvation Army and was happy to propose the Salvation Army for the Freedom of the Borough along with Saint Vincent de Paul Society when I was mayor in 2001.

“Since then my admiration and respect for both organisations has grown and grown as more and more people seek their help in so many ways.

“The present refugee crisis is yet another challenge which local people and local organisations including the Salvation Army will respond to in God’s Way and in a spirit of Christianity.

“This slogan writing does nothing for the image of Coleraine and misrepresents the wonderful people who are planning to make a modest contribution to those who have lost their families and loved ones and indeed everything in Libya and Iraq.

“Surely the message appearing on the wall of the Salvation Army Church is not the true message going out from a town that has had its share of death

and destruction in the past?

“People coming from other countries and settling in Coleraine have made a huge contribution and continue to do so. There is no time for racism or xenophobia in our community and those involved need to reflect on the damage they are doing to their own town.

“As a public representative I apologise to the Salvation Army and urge them not to be deflected by this mindless act but to redouble their efforts to help those in need and especially those who have been displaced by the dreadful events in Libya.”