Bishop calls for unity after thefts of Remembrance items

Bishop Donal McKeown says he was deeply saddened by recent incidents

The Catholic Bishop of Derry has called for unity and mutual respect following a series of thefts of Remembrance items and vandalism to displays in the city.

Bishop Donal McKeown said he was saddened by the incidents in Londonderry, which included the theft of a poppy wreath from the war memorial at the Diamond and the removal of Remembrance emblems and banners from a memorial display in the Fountain estate.

Police are investigating the thefts, which are being treated as sectarian hate crimes.

Bishop McKeown urged those in "positions of responsibility" to articulate a message of tolerance and respect for others.

Wreaths were laid at the Diamond on Tuesday to mark the end of World War One

Speaking to BBC Radio Foyle's North West Today programme, Bishop McKeown said he was deeply saddened by the recent thefts and vandalism, describing them as acts that "cause offence and benefit no one".

"I was sad for what it says about us and about Derry," he said.

"There's been a lot of work done over the past number of decades, at political and church level, to ensure that we respect the different traditions and the diversity of traditions that we have in the city."

Bishop McKeown said he had attended the Remembrance ceremony at the Diamond on Sunday morning when the wreaths were laid.

"It's not part of a culture I've grown up with but I think it's important to respect where other people are coming from," Bishop McKeown said.

"I'm sad that it's happened, and I'm sad for the hurt that's been caused by the act of vandalism."

The bishop said Remembrance displays hold deep personal meaning for many families and should be treated with the utmost respect.

He compared their significance to the reverence people show for graves.

"It's about remembering a grandfather, uncle, cousin, or somebody who died, even in our own conflict," he said.

"It can be very personal and therefore very hurtful."

Inclusion and diversity

Bishop McKeown called on political and community leaders to continue promoting tolerance and good relationships.

"We might disagree on political issues, but not condemning one another is very important," he said.

"What's modelled in practice at the top will sometimes be expressed at the bottom end as well, at the local end."

Bishop McKeown said it was vital to promote a culture of inclusion and diversity, especially to send a positive message to young people.

"We can make this a more welcoming place for people from all backgrounds," he said.

"We face many challenges like poverty, division, crime, violence, and we need to face all of those together, not divided."

A large poppy wreath banner was stolen from this display

Police have appealed for any information in relation to the theft of a poppy wreath at the war memorial and the damage and theft from a poppy memorial display in the Fountain area.

A 16-year-old was arrested on Monday on suspicion of offences including theft from the display in the Fountain area at the weekend and has since been released on bail.