The head of the Irish Bishops’ Conference has reacted with dismay to the decision of the Northern Executive to close churches across Northern Ireland for two weeks from November 27th.
Archbishop of Armagh, Eamon Martin called the news “unexpected” and described it as “a great disappointment”.
He added that it was “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.”
He said the Church would urgently request that the ban on public worship would be for the shortest period possible.
He will also seek urgent clarification on whether churches may open for individual visits and private prayer.
“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,” he said.
“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. Spiritual preparation is essential”.
