The Rev Ian Paisley is writing to the British government after members of his Free Presbyterian Church were attacked by nationalist youths at an open air service in Co Antrim.
Three people arrested following the incident in Randalstown on Sunday night were released on bail yesterday. Seventy church-goers, including 20 children, were holding their weekly gospel service at Moore's Lane when they were targeted.
They said they were knocked to the ground by men claiming to be from the IRA. Free Presbyterian minister the Rev Philip Millen said his congregation had been singing when the attack started.
"A number of people began to congregate and shout abuse at us. Then they threw missiles. They smashed our PA system. It was an uprovoked attack. They knocked people to the ground. Children were screaming and were hurled to the ground. They shouted abuse at us. It was a terrifying experience." Mr Millen said that, despite the attack, the worshippers would return next Sunday.
Dr Paisley blamed "republican thugs" for the attack and said he would be writing to the North's Security Minister, Ms Jane Kennedy.
"Five people, including a disabled man, were taken to hospital to have their injuries treated and many of those attacked were elderly," he added.
Police blamed people from outside the local community. Local Sinn Féin Assembly member Mr Martin Meehan condemned the incident and described those responsible as "thugs".
The area's MP, Mr David Burnside, blamed "republican elements" from outside Randalstown who, he said, were "stirring up sectarian hate" against Protestants Local SDLP Assembly member Mr Donovan McClelland condemned the "despicable and disgusting" attack.
Meanwhile, loyalists have carried out three pipe bomb attacks on nationalist houses in the Short Strand area of east Belfast.
One device exploded outside pensioners' bungalows in Strand Walk on Sunday night. Another device found in the street was defused by British army bomb experts. A pipe bomb also exploded in the garden of a house in Clandeboye Drive.
No one was injured in the attacks. Sinn Féin councillor Mr Joe O'Donnell said such incidents were a continuing occurrence. "The houses along Strand Walk are now completely destroyed. There is a row of houses which have been bombed three or four times in the last six months. They are totally uninhabitable."
Ulster Unionist Minister Mr Reg Empey has called for a security review in east Belfast to prevent further trouble.