THE wanton vandalism of a disused Catholic church in north Belfast has come to light after it was revealed an eight-foot tall statue of Jesus was stolen.
Stained glass windows have been smashed, the altar desecrated after fires were lit and pews damaged throughout the Church of the Resurrection on Cavehill Road.
The vandalism at the church, which has been closed since 2008, emerged after police issued an appeal for information about the theft of a bronze statue of the Resurrected Christ.
Police believe the statue was stolen "over the last few weeks".
A PSNI spokesman also said damage had been caused to doors inside the church.
"At the same time, large bronze doors were taken off the hinges and cut up," he said.
"The doors were worth £40,000 and were commissioned specially for the church.
"They have been irreparably damaged."
Parish priest Fr Paul Strain appealed for the safe return of the statue.
In a message in this weekend's Holy Family Parish bulletin, he said: "It is with sadness that I have to report the recent theft of the statue of the Resurrected Christ, that stood looking over our parish.
"The theft of the bronze doors was prevented, though not before they were damaged, and they have been removed and put in safe storage.
"The police have put a photo of the statue on Facebook, and if anyone has any knowledge concerning the statue, please contact the police. We would be very grateful for its safe return."
But the theft has highlighted the vandalism within the interior of the church since it was closed more than a decade ago. The church has lain derelict since 2008 with trespassers clearly using it.
A spokesman for the Down and Connor diocese last night said the church was closed "following a review of pastoral provision" in the parish.
He said the stolen statue had previously been situated outside the chapel, but after it was damaged on another occasion, church authorities "brought it inside".
"The reaction is one of shock from parishioners and the wider community," he said.
"This is an act of profound disrespect to a sacred site. I would urge anyone with information to go to the PSNI and I would also encourage people in the area to be vigilant."
He also said that Fr Strain had "received a number of calls from the community providing encouragement and support".
Asked about the vandalism in the church, the spokesman said the site had been secured following the theft and a "full review" of security would be carried out.
"The parish is looking at security issues around the church," he said.
Also asked if the church had been deconsecrated since its closure, he said "the church is no longer in use" adding that it was "no longer used of liturgical services".
He added that there were currently "no plans" for the church.
