The Romanian Orthodox Archdiocese of Great Britain and Northern Ireland has expressed solidarity with Romanian nationals affected by recent anti-immigrant unrest in Northern Ireland and called for an immediate end to violence.

In an official statement, the Archdiocese said it remains in constant contact with the Romanian Consulate General in Edinburgh, the Romanian Embassy in London, local authorities, and Romanian communities in the affected areas. Church leaders also pledged pastoral and charitable assistance to those in need.

“Neither fear, bitterness, nor violence can heal society,” the statement said. “Only dialogue, mutual respect, justice, and solidarity can restore trust between people and bring peace back to affected communities.”

The unrest followed a knife attack in Belfast on June 8 that left local resident Stephen Ogilvie seriously injured and blind in one eye. A 30-year-old Sudanese-born man was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder. After footage of the attack circulated widely on social media, protests against immigration policies erupted in several parts of Northern Ireland.

The demonstrations soon escalated into widespread disorder. Hundreds of masked individuals reportedly attacked homes and vehicles, erected barricades, set property on fire, and clashed with police. Incidents targeting residences occupied by migrants and ethnic minority families were reported in Belfast, Ballymena, and other towns.

According to Romanian media reports citing the Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the homes of three Romanian families were damaged during the violence. In the town of Portadown, a Romanian restaurant preparing to open was also attacked.

Romanian officials emphasized that Romanian nationals had no connection to the crime that sparked the protests. Nevertheless, reports indicated that attackers targeted people perceived as foreigners rather than members of any specific nationality. Local media said extremist groups moved through neighborhoods searching for homes belonging to migrants and ethnic minorities.

Christian leaders from other denominations have also appealed for calm. Catholic bishops in Ireland condemned attacks on migrant homes and businesses, stressing the need to respect the dignity of every person regardless of origin. The Presbyterian Church in Ireland, the Methodist Church in Ireland, and several Protestant congregations in Belfast similarly urged believers to reject hatred and violence, support those affected, and pray for peace.

Local Christian communities have organized prayer gatherings and assistance programs for families forced to flee their homes. Clergy across denominations have argued that the appropriate response to the tragedy and ensuing social tensions is not revenge or the scapegoating of ethnic groups, but a fair investigation of the crime and a renewed commitment to civil peace.

As authorities work to restore order, church leaders continue to call for restraint, reconciliation, and solidarity among all communities in Northern Ireland.