Mixed response from clerics on reopening of churches

THE size and design of churches and their ability to introduce safe social distancing measures may hinder any prospects of reopening.

That was the view of one local cleric reacting to comments made last week by environment minister Edwin Poots who said churches could open. Mr Poots made clear that he is not recommending the return of services but for people to attend places of worship individually or with family members.

Reverend Alan Barr from the Church of Ireland Sixmilecross and Termonmaguirc parish said it would not be possible to safely open churches in his parish due to the nature of the historic buildings.

“From my point of view, a lot of our parishioners are in the vulnerable category and also because churches are laid out with pews, it would be very difficult to move or arrange seating,” said the cleric.

“I feel that social distancing in my churches would be impossible so until the need for social distancing has reduced, I don’t feel it would be viable option to open our churches.

“I cannot speak for everyone. Some churches are very modern buildings and do have ways of working with one way systems or chairs that can be moved around.

“We have one narrow entrance door and one aisle up the middle of the church so because of the nature of the buildings, if it is open and people are trying to get in and out at the same time, we cannot social distance.”

Rev Barr added, “It seems to me too early to start talking about opening the buildings but that is just my personal view.”

Meanwhile, Cappagh Parish Priest Fr Kevin McElhennon believes reopening the churches could be done in a safe matter while adhering to health guidelines at his church.

Fr McElhennon said, “I would support the opening of the churches as a first step for people to come in for private prayer.

“Coming into the church is an important part of people’s daily life, and especially now as people are out for their walk, and could come into the church and say a prayer.

“We would have the church in such a way that people would be safely distanced and adhere to the guidelines so parishioners would be safe.

“If we were to open up for public mass, we would be doing it in a way that social distancing is respected, but it could be done.

“It is an important thing for people and I would support the reopening totally.”