Churches to reopen for Easter Services - denominations publish key dates

Churches voluntarily closed their doors in in January due to the pandemic, with many reverting to online services.

First Minister Arlene Foster told the Assembly on Monday that she and Deputy First Minister Michelle O’Neill had met the four largest churches to discuss reopening.

“We need to continue to acknowledge how much people need hope and solace, and we noted in our discussion yesterday the desire of the Churches to work towards a return to in-person services in time for Easter,” she said.

A spokesman for the Presbyterian said it very much welcomes a return to in-person services for Easter. He added: “When to return will be up to each of our congregations in Northern Ireland and would be in the context of all necessary mitigations and safeguards being in place, with the safety of everyone involved being of utmost importance.”

A Church of Ireland spokesman said it was planning a “cautious” return from Good Friday, April 2.

“In person gatherings for worship and parish organisations have been voluntarily suspended since early in January 2021, but we have decided that the time has now come for a cautious and careful return to in-person church services from Good Friday,” he said.

Some may wish to continue online and/or drive-in services for the time being due to their own local situation, he said, noting that restrictions will still not allow traditional Dawn Services.

Dr Heather Morris, General Secretary of the Methodist Church, confirmed it was reopening from the same date.

“Along with other churches, the Methodist Church in Ireland has announced that Methodist Churches may make a careful return to in-person Services from Good Friday,” she said. This will allow time for preparation to celebrate the major Christian festival of Easter with its theme of Hope emerging from suffering and death.”

The northern bishops of the Catholic Church announced that services may resume from Friday March 26.

“Bishops emphasise the need for continued caution and a rigorous application of all mitigations and safeguards required to ensure the safest possible return to public worship in our Churches,” they said.

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