DUBLIN (CNS): Archbishop Eamon Martin of Armagh, Northern Ireland, the head of the Irish Bishops’ Conference called the government’s move to criminalise attendance at Mass as part of Covid-19 regulations a “potential infringement of religious freedom and of constitutional rights” and a breach of trust.
Archbishop Martin pointed out, “The precise provisions are unclear and at first reading appear to be draconian, going further than the restrictions we have been cooperating with throughout the pandemic to date,” adding, “We shall be seeking legal counsel to advise on several questions concerning the extent of the statutory instrument.”
The archbishop also said the bishops were seeking “an immediate meeting” with the government “and we request the suspension of this harsh and unclear statutory instrument.”
Churches in the Irish Republic have been closed for public worship since 26 December 2020, with the government claiming it was just a matter of regulation rather than law.
However on April 16, health minister, Stephen Donnelly, signed a new law—known as a statutory instrument—making it a criminal offense.
“We consider the publication of this statutory instrument, together with associated penal provisions, to be provocative and formally enacting a potential infringement of religious freedom and of constitutional rights,” Archbishop Martin said.
‘We consider the publication of this statutory instrument, together with associated penal provisions, to be provocative and formally enacting a potential infringement of religious freedom and of constitutional rights’
“Together with other Churches and faith communities, we have been cooperating fully with public health messages for more than a year now. At the same time, we have consistently impressed on (the) government that people of faith value highly their spiritual well-being and consider the public practice of their faith as essential—something which has not been sufficiently recognised in statute.
“It is highly disappointing then that, despite the reassurances of the taoiseach (prime minister) to Church leaders only two days ago that he understood the importance of faith and worship to the people of Ireland, this statutory instrument was introduced in a clandestine manner and without notice or consultation.
“We consider this to be a breach of trust,” Archbishop Martin said.
The Archdiocese of Armagh straddles the border between Northern Ireland and the Irish Republic. North of the border, churches have been reopened since late March. However, in the Republic, public worship remains online only.
Meanwhile, a case before the High Court challenging the ban on public worship is due to be heard on April 27. Similar bans in nearby jurisdictions—including Scotland—have been found to be unlawful.
