Church verger killed in Spain church attacks

 (Photo: France 24)

At least one person has been killed and another four injured in a suspected terror attack on two churches in Spain.

Eye witnesses say that the alleged attacker shouted "Allahu akbar" and "death to Christians" during the machete attack on San Isidro Church and Nuestra Senora de La Palma Church in the southern Spanish city of Algeciras on Wednesday evening. 

The victim has been named in local media reports as Diego Valencia, a verger at the Nuestra Senora de La Palma church.

Valencia is reported to have been killed as he tried to stop the attacker, who entered the church as Mass was taking place.

Antonio Rodriguez, parish priest at the San Isidro Church, is reported to have been stabbed after the attacker tried to force him to convert to Islam. The priest is in hospital in serious condition.

Francisco Garcia, secretary general of Spain's Episcopal Conference, told Reuters that he was in "great pain" over the attack.

"These are sad times of suffering; we are united by the pain of the victims' families and for the Cadiz Diocese," he said.

A 25-year-old Moroccan has been arrested in connection with the attack. 

News
Amid calls to 'make Britain Christian again', here are some questions for the Church
Amid calls to 'make Britain Christian again', here are some questions for the Church

Maybe Restore and Reform are not the best people to speak up for Christianity. But if not them, then who will?

Met commends officer who defended Christian street preacher's free speech against Muslim criticism
Met commends officer who defended Christian street preacher's free speech against Muslim criticism

A senior Met officer said the actions of PC Moule were a "good example" of "common sense without fear or favour".

Ukraine bishop: 'You never know when your time will come'
Ukraine bishop: 'You never know when your time will come'

Parts of the Catholic Kharkiv-Zaporizhzhia Diocese are controlled by Russian forces.

Churches 'left in the lurch' as government repair scheme runs out of money
Churches 'left in the lurch' as government repair scheme runs out of money

The Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme has run out of money but a new replacement fund is not yet up and running.