At a meeting in Armagh yesterday the North's Catholic bishops expressed concern about the Northern situation and condemned all sectarian attacks.
"We have witnessed murder, people being attacked in and even driven from their homes, children being intimidated on their way to school, rioting in the streets, and churches being burned to the ground," they said.
"We fully understand the fear under which so many people are living at the present time. We appeal for neighbour to reassure neighbour, especially where families feel threatened," they said.
They called for prayers for peace "throughout the entire community and for families who are suffering so much".
