Church to meet Irish government over 1916 parade disruption

The Church of Ireland (CoI) in Dublin is to meet with Irish Government and senior Garda to explore if Easter morning services can be facilitated at Christ Church Cathedral.
By The Newsroom
Published 20th Feb 2016, 09:30 BST
Church of Ireland Archbishop of Dublin Michael JacksonChurch of Ireland Archbishop of Dublin Michael Jackson
Church of Ireland Archbishop of Dublin Michael Jackson

Parishioners have been notified that the cathedral, and a number of other city centre churches, will be closed on Easter Sunday as there will be “no ready access” during the 1916 rebellion commemorations.

In a statement issued earlier this week the Dioceses of Dublin & Glendalough said the city centre shutdown decision had been “made without consultation,” causing a “considerable sense of disappointment and sadness”.

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On Wednesday, the Government issued a statement saying the arrangements were “still being finalised” and that it hoped further consultations would take place.

On Friday, the CoI said it was appreciative of the Government’s willingness to consult.

It said: “The Government has pledged the full support of the state to ensure the facilitation of the fullest possible availability of worship on this most important festival of the Christian calendar. The church acknowledges the efforts being made by the state in this regard and also the importance being placed by this gesture upon the main emphasis of Easter Day.”

The archbishop of Dublin will attend the Easter morning Festival Eucharist in Sandford Church, and the 1916 commemoration afterwards.

Related topics:Government