The break-in at Christ Church on Infirmary Road in Derry-Londonderry also saw extensive damage caused to the church’s organ, a decanter stolen and windows smashed. The incident happened sometime between Sunday afternoon and Tuesday at 4pm. The vandals are believed to have broken in through a stained glass window.
“I am totally disgusted by the actions of those who broke into this church and carried out such mindless vandalism,” said Mr Doherty.
“To defile any building in this way is shameful, but to do it to a church is particularly disrespectful to those who worship there. I simply do not understand the mentality of these vandals. This attack was not just on a church but the entire community.
“I would urge anyone with any information whatsoever on this incident to contact police with it immediately.”