The RUC believes a fire at Whitehouse Presbyterian Church, on the outskirts of north Belfast, was started deliberately. The blaze was discovered around 6 a.m. yesterday. Firefighters brought it quickly under control.
The Rev Allen Sleiph said he did not know if the attack was sectarian or simply the work of vandals.
He said he had been heartened by offers of help from both sides of the community and he hoped that the church would reopen for Sunday services.
The arson attack was condemned by a Sinn Fein councillor, Mr Joe Austin. "I'm calling on those responsible to stop attacking property belonging to Protestants and in particular to stop burning churches. These attacks are wrong and only inflame feelings in this part of the city."