Churches reveal planned return dates for in-person worship
They've been shut voluntarily during the 2021 lockdown.
The Catholic Church has said it is aiming for a ‘cautious’ return to in-person worship on time for Easter services.
Local religious denominations had been operating remotely on a voluntary basis, but a statement from the Catholic Bishops says the church plans to welcome congregations from March 26.
We understand similar announcements are due from other faith leaders – Methodist and Church of Ireland services could be back by April 2.
The return dates haven't come from the government but the churches themselves as they were never forced to close.
They were operating remotely of their own accord, and without being legally compelled to do so during the strict lockdown, which kicked in on Boxing Day.
Only weddings, funerals and virtual services were taking place since then.
A statement from the Catholic Church said caution is still needed.
A spokesperson said: “In making this announcement, made possible through the collective and heroic effort of so many in our society in their response to the current pandemic, especially our health care workers, the 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 also stress that public worship should only begin again after a thorough risk assessment, in consultation with those Covid-19 Support Teams in our Parishes.
"This means that some parishes may decide that, in their particular circumstances, it is not possible to return to public worship until a later date.”
Speaking at a roadmap review on Tuesday, Arlene foster said communication had taken place, and is ongoing.
The First Minister said Easter and Passover are important events in ‘our faith calendar’, and acknowledged people need to seek solace and comfort after a very difficult year.
“This year has been a hard year for people of all faiths, and people of none,” she said.
“We very much welcome the opportunity to work with all faith leaders across the last 12 months, and that will continue.
“Some places of worship will find it easier than others to continue with their online services than others, and we know that this will be taken carefully.
“We have been grateful to leaders across all faiths who have worked closely with us on a voluntary basis.”