There are few more repugnant acts than targeting a place of worship and the scale of the destruction inflicted by the thugs who broke into Christ Church in Derry was quite appalling.
Religious and political leaders have expressed their total support and sympathy for the small Church of Ireland community, which has had to deal with equally disgraceful atttacks in the past.
It is essential that the intruders who caused extensive damage to the church's organ, as well as defecating and urinating inside the historic building, are arrested and dealt with firmly by the courts.
There is a strong case for insisting that part of their punishment should include helping to repair Christ Church and offering a personal apology to its congregation.
