Sellar, who is the moderator of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland said the bonfires are "a means by which we pass on to succeeding generations the sins of our fathers."

The fires are lit in loyalist areas in Northern Ireland during the Twelfth of July celebrations.

They celebrate the Protestant William of Orange's victory over the Catholic King James II in 1690.

Bonfires are also lit in republican areas in Belfast and Derry to mark the introduction of internment without trial in August 1971.

"Given our history and fortress mind-sets, while celebrating and commemorating the past divisively, they are also a danger to the environment, property and human well-being.

"They are not bonfires fuelled by inclusiveness, respect and healing, but a means by which we pass on to succeeding generations the sins of our fathers."

Sellar made his initial comments at an event in Belfast on Thursday night.

Speaking to the Nolan Show on Friday, Rev Sellar said his opinion needed to be said. (The Nolan Show airs on weekdays on BBC Radio Ulster.)

"If some have taken my remarks out of context and that has caused hurt, obviously I regret that," he said.

"The more debate we have on this, so that next year is better than last year, last year better than the year before - that is progress and that's what I would love to see."

Source

• Irish Central
• BBC NEWS
• Image: BBC