A Catholic church in Belfast was badly damaged by homemade bombs on
Monday night, as renewed tensions in Northern Ireland prompted clashes
between Catholics and Protestants.
Tensions have been rising in Belfast since early in December, when the
city council voted to end the display of the British flag.
That
decision - a gesture toward Irish nationalists who seek an end to British
hegemony in Northern Ireland - angered loyalists who support the British
presence.
Historically the nationalist cause has been led by Catholics,
the loyalist cause by Protestants.
Regular public protests and “flag marches” have sparked violence between
Catholics and Protestants, forcing police to intervene to prevent wider
rioting.
On January 14, at least one police officer was injured in a
confrontation with rioters.
Protestant rioters threw stones at police,
and homemade bombs at St. Matthew’s church.