Archbishop: Only return to worship when you’re ready

Churches on the island of Ireland are permitted to reopen for public worship from today, which is St Peter’s Day.

Most Revd John McDowell said people should not return to worship before they are ready.

“It could hardly be more fitting that it is St Peter’s Day on which we symbolically receive the keys of our churches to enter them again, over the days and weeks to come, as the people of God; to worship his holy Name and to gather together as the household of faith. For this we give thanks to God,” said Rev McDowell.

“During the months of lockdown, some of you will have had hellish experiences as you have suffered the death of someone very close to you, or have endured the desolating tedium and stress of isolation. For these very reasons, you may welcome the freedom to worship but be worried or apprehensive about returning. When you are ready, the churches will be ready to welcome you also.”

He added: “The head of the Church, Jesus Christ, has been true to his promises, and we must be true to him. And being true to him means always thinking of others as we join together in corporate worship and in everyday life. To have made the necessary preparations to make church safe and to keep it safe. To take the necessary precautions as we begin to mix again in society, in shops, in restaurants and other public spaces. That is the impulse of the law of love and solidarity which is our vocation.

“Each of us will begin to emerge from lockdown changed in some ways. It is much too soon to say where that will leave us and lead us as a church.”