Congregation 'defiant' after fire

The church was destroyed in the fire

A religious service has been held in the car park of a County Armagh church which was destroyed in an arson attack earlier this week.

The Methodist Church at Brownlow, Craigavon, was targeted on Tuesday.

The police said the fire was not sectarian, however, it was believed to have been started deliberately.

The District Superintendent of the Methodist Church in the area, the Reverend Jim Rea, blamed vandals for the blaze.

A service was held in the car park

On Sunday, the congregation braved the rain and cold of the church car park to hold their weekly prayers.

They were joined by the mayor of Craigavon and the Bishop of Down and Dromore.

For many it was an emotional day.

The church hierarchy will meet next week to decide if they will rebuild the church or relocate it.