19.06.2020
Statement by Archbishop Michael Jackson following announcement of ‘rephasing’ Roadmap to Reopening Ireland
Archbishop Michael Jackson made the following statement welcoming the announcement that places of worship can reopen on June 29:
“Following this evening’s (Friday June 19) announcement of the acceleration of the Roadmap to reopen Ireland, I welcome the opportunity for members of the Church of Ireland to return to public worship from June 29.
“Our priority always is the safety of everyone and I reiterate that there is no pressure on individuals to go where they feel they are not safe.
“I encourage everyone who is in a position to do so to make a real go of the opportunity to go back into our much loved and cherished church buildings and to worship God with joy and gladness.
“We greatly appreciate this positive way forward and I also encourage those who go back to church to pray for everyone in fear, in need and in isolation – and particularly for those whose personal vulnerability has been made even greater during the period of Lockdown.
“I also encourage Church of Ireland people to take up the call I have consistently made from the first days of The Lockdown: Our Christian discipleship is our civic duty.”
