Use of face coverings in churches strongly recommended and encouraged by Archbishop Eamon Martin

"The decision to introduce face coverings in our churches dates back to August 2020 and was taken by Church Leaders before face coverings were made mandatory by the Governments, North and South.

Yesterday, 26 July 2021, the NI Executive decided to remove the legal requirement to wear a face covering within a place of worship with effect from 6.00pm this evening.  (It will, however, remain a legal requirement to wear a face covering on the way into a place of worship and on the way out.)  

Despite this change to the legal position, I ask that, for the time being, we continue to strongly recommend and encourage the use of face coverings at all services of worship.  I shall let you know if, and when, we decide to recommend a change in this practice."

Kindest regards,