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
A brief history of Christmas bans
A brief history of Christmas bans

These days, Christmas is hard to miss and nearly impossible to avoid. But at various times it has been banned in different countries, including Britain. This is the story …

Organisers of Christmas evangelistic campaign thrilled with impact
Organisers of Christmas evangelistic campaign thrilled with impact

Organisers of this year's Shine Your Light Christmas evangelistic outreach have been "overwhelmed" by the response from local churches.

Reach out to others, says Salvation Army, as 1.8 million Brits set to spend Christmas Day alone
Reach out to others, says Salvation Army, as 1.8 million Brits set to spend Christmas Day alone

People are being urged to reach out after polling suggested 1.8 million UK adults will spend Christmas Day alone, even though they do not want to.

Another Christmas in hardship for Gaza church
Another Christmas in hardship for Gaza church

For Christians sheltering in the Holy Family parish in Gaza, there will be few comforts this Christmas.