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In the current Foot and Mouth crisis Presbyterian congregations are being advised to take precautions appropriate to their area and if in doubt to err on the side of caution. While there has been no call to cancel local church services a number of other church events have been cancelled in some places.
The following advice is being sent to all Presbyterian ministers
The Department of Agriculture (DARD) are not advising cancellation of church services but advice from the department is for people to control the movement of animals and vehicles, for strangers to avoid walking on farmland and for people to avoid large sporting events and big gatherings of people. It is important for people to exercise caution and if in doubt err on the side of caution. There is no call for the cancellation of church services, but people should take whatever precautions they consider appropriate in their areas.
In a letter received from Mr Peter Small of DARD to the Moderator he advised the following in respect of church services and other events. "I consider that decisions must have regard to local circumstances, for example purely urban congregations are different from those in rural areas. I feel that our advice should be to leave final decisions up to local clergy with a plea that the seriousness of the situation should be recognised and that, particularly in rural areas, precautions such as putting in place disinfectant mats, should be considered."
Yesterday the Moderator, Dr Trevor Morrow, issued the following statement encouraging pastoral support and prayer for all involved:
"The farming community throughout Ireland is assured of the prayers and pastoral care of everyone in the Presbyterian Church at this critical time.
"I have admired the fortitude and resilience of all involved in the agricultural industry over the last years of setbacks and offer them my full support.
"I would encourage all to pray for wisdom and guidance for farmers and their families, government officials and vets as they fight to eradicate this dreaded virus.
"I also call on all Presbyterian congregations to take appropriate practical action as advised by the authorities in preventing further spreading of this infection."
Issued by Stephen Lynas, Presbyterian Information Services. Info@PresbyterianIreland.org
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