Church leaders urge worshippers to wear face coverings at services

Leaders of Churches in Ireland have today (Wednesday) issued a joint statement urging worshippers to wear face coverings during services in order to help reduce the spread of Coronavirus.

Representatives of the Catholic Church, the Church of Ireland, and the Presbyterian and Methodist Churches issued the statement this afternoon amid concern about the recent rise in the number of virus cases.

They said the recommendation to wear face coverings was an added precaution in addition to the social distancing already being practised at services.

The joint statement read: "At this time, both in Northern Ireland and in the Republic of Ireland, the Governments have not formally made mandatory the wearing of face coverings at services of worship.

"This is, in part, due to the fact that, as churches, we are committed to maintaining two-metre physical distancing between household groups and strict adherence to all government guidance on hand hygiene, cleaning, ventilation etc.

"It, however, remains our responsibility to ensure that our services of worship are safe places for all who join with us.

"It has become increasingly clear that the wearing of face coverings, in conjunction with hand washing, etc, is likely to reduce the spread of coronavirus, thus helping to protect others.

"Their use is therefore one way in which we can evidence protection for the most vulnerable, support for our health workers, and practical love for our neighbours."

They went on to say that the formal recommendation to wear face coverings should come into effect from Sunday, August 30, "and earlier if practicable".

"We understand that some people are exempted from the wearing of face coverings, as outlined in the two jurisdictions.

"We also recognise that whilst it may not be appropriate for those who are leading from the front during worship, including preaching, to wear face coverings, they should at all times continue to maintain at least two-metre physical distancing from one another, and four-metre physical distancing from the front row of the congregation," it added.

The statement was signed by: The Most Revd Eamon Martin, Roman Catholic Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland; The Most Revd John McDowell, Church of Ireland Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland; The Rt Revd Dr David Bruce, Moderator of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland; and The Revd Dr Tom McKnight, President of the Methodist Church in Ireland.