The public worship of God must not be set aside by any earthly power, nor neglected by the true people of God, according to a Baptist pastor who opened his church for religious services despite Northern Ireland’s coronavirus restrictions.

Pastor David Patterson said church closures have been to the detriment of the faithful.

Writing in Belfast’s News Letter, he said Christians are to be law abiding citizens, but only in so far that laws are not contrary to the Word (or Law) of God.

“The Executive in directing the citizens of Northern Ireland not to meet for the public worship of God, acted beyond their God given mandate, because the Executive’s prohibition on the public worship of God is contrary to Scripture.”

He also rejected the argument proposed by many to close churches out of love of their neighbour.

The two great commandments, love of God and of neighbour, can never negate each other, he said.

“We must obey God and worship Him, and in doing so endeavour to love our neighbour.”