A cause of significant regret and concern
Church leaders in Ireland have described how they were “disappointed” that churches have been ordered to close under stricter anti-Covid lockdown measures.
Archbishop Eamon Martin, Primate of All Ireland, said: “I cannot understand how a person may still go to an off-licence to buy alcohol but might not be permitted to visit and sit in quiet solitary prayer in a large church.
“The right to do this is particularly important for Catholics.”
For Presbyterian Moderator Rt Rev Dr David Bruce, the suspension of public worship in churches for two weeks, introduced as part of this package of measures, was “a cause of significant regret and concern”.
Archbishop Martin felt the Executive’s decision to force churches to close was made “contrary to the assurances given to faith groups at a meeting just last week at which we were praised for our attention to safety and public health”.
“I seek urgent clarification on the question of whether churches may open for individual visits and private prayer,” he said.
“This issue was the subject of debate during the first lockdown and we were confident that it was understood that churches are places of sanctuary, calm, and spiritual strength during this crisis.
“The restrictions will coincide with the beginning of the holy season of Advent, a sacred time of preparation for Christmas.
“In speaking about ‘saving Christmas’, I urge the Executive to accept that for many people a “meaningful Christmas” is about more than shopping, eating and drinking,” the Archbishop added.
“Spiritual preparation is essential.”
Dr Bruce said he had already met Government officials and had received assurances the coming two-week lockdown was all that was planned.
“We have been reminding legislators of the importance of balancing our essential liberty to worship, with the need for protection of the community and people’s livelihoods, from the devastating effects of this serious pandemic, and will continue to do so,” Dr Bruce said.
“For the time being, while public worship may be suspended for these two weeks, the church is not closed,”
“We will worship together using online and other media.
“We will pray for our people, our governments and our communities during these uncertain times,” the Moderator said.
“Our presence as salt and light in our communities will continue as we share the love of Christ and care for those around us.”
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