An outspoken evangelical pastor has defended describing the Islamic faith as "satanic" and a "doctrine spawned in hell".
Senior Pastor James McConnell made the remarks as he addressed his congregation at the Whitewell Tabernacle Metropolitan Church on Sunday evening.
They were described as "very offensive", "hurtful" and "irresponsible" by a representative from the Belfast Islamic Centre.
There has also been an outcry on social media, with some calling for a police investigation into his comments.
One posted: "If this was a Muslim Imam speaking about Christianity, he would be arrested for inciting hatred."
During his sermon, the clergyman said: "Islam is heathen, Islam is satanic, Islam is a doctrine spawned in hell." (+ video) » | Claire Williamson | Wednesday, May 21, 2014