Churches: How our places of worship will reopen to congregations across NI

Places of worship in Northern Ireland can open for services from Monday next, but many congregations across the faith denominations are understandably adopting a cautious approach to the early holding of sizeable gatherings within their buildings.
Gordon Lyons is a Presbyterian elderGordon Lyons is a Presbyterian elder
Gordon Lyons is a Presbyterian elder

Some churches are planning mid-week prayer sessions over the coming days in a gradual run-up to full participation at a service by the wider congregation, while others have set provisional dates in August and early September for a full resumption of normal Sunday worship and activity.

The size of a church building is a crucial factor in an early restoration of services and it is at the level of small rural Presbyterian and Methodist meeting houses that most concern is being expressed by elders about a too-early return to the pews. Small Baptist and gospel halls would also come into this category.

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Church representatives on an ad-hoc Stormont Executive working committee met on Wednesday to discuss the way forward and were given advice on the health ramifications of re-opening, after the almost four-month coronavirus lockdown, by the Northern Ireland chief medical officer Dr Michael McBride.

DUP junior minister Gordon Lyons, himself a Co Antrim Presbyterian elder, said there was very positive dialogue with the faith representatives present ahead of Thursday’s Executive meeting.

“We had a wide-ranging discussion on how places of worship can best re-open, within the health and safety restrictions, The Executive is grateful for everyone’s helpful contributions,” said Mr Lyons.

The Church of Ireland, which has some large buildings particularly in cities and towns, is leaving the decision-making about re-opening for services to individual parish rectors, but an official church source insisted proper protocol would be strictly observed in all parishes.

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The Presbyterian Church says any decision on resuming services will be a local decision taken by the minister and elders together.

The return to full worship in the Roman Catholic cathedrals and chapels will come under the guidance of bishops in the various dioceses, but again health and safety protocols will apply. Relaxation of church opening in May for individual prayer and reflection sessions was a welcome development for the Roman Catholic Church.

Re-opening of all places of worship brought relief and thanksgiving across our Ulster religious society. However, the traditional call to worship may take a bit longer to fully manifest itself again in the practical and meaningful way that we once knew it.

* Meanwhile, in England, churches are allowed to re-open for services and weddings from next Saturday.

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Prime minister Boris Johnson confirmed: “Many have mourned the closure of places of worship. I’m delighted they will be able to re-open for prayer and services, including weddings, with a maximum of 30 people, all subject to social distancing.”

Anglican bishop of London, the Rev Sarah Mullally said: “The last three months have been an extraordinary time - the first period without public worship in England in 800 years. There will be real joy as we begin to come together again, but I understand many will be cautious.”