Four main denominations welcome return of private prayer in churches

The Presbyterian, Methodist, Church of Ireland and Catholic churches have written to the First and deputy First Ministers to welcome yesterday’s announcement.

The announcement that we are moving to Step 1 of The Executive’s Pathway To Recovery is “an important and much-needed sign of hope,” the four churches said in their letter, acknowledging that the decision had been taken in consultation with them.

They welcomed the cautious approach which continues to prioritise the protection of health with an emphasis on the most vulnerable.

“A great flourishing of creativity and a strong community spirit has enabled local churches to continue to provide pastoral care and social outreach in spite of the restrictions, but there is a strong desire to increase the level of pastoral contact where that can be done safely” they said. “In particular, we are keen to respond to the appeals from those who find great comfort in visiting their church for private prayer, from couples who are anxious that they can proceed with their marriage ceremony and from parents who wish to have their child baptised.”

The churches said they are undertaking risk assessments and putting in place response plans that reflect local situations and which will be sustainable in the long-term.

The letter also welcomed the opportunity to discuss protecting social cohesion in plans for recovery.

“During lockdown, the burden of suffering has not been shared equally, and the benefits of recovery will come more quickly to some than others. One of the signs of hope to emerge from this crisis has been the way local communities have pulled together in support of their most vulnerable members. That same spirit needs to shape a vision for recovery that leaves no one behind.”