As Covid-19 legal restrictions have moved to formal government guidance the General Council replaced PCI’s own mitigations with guidance to Kirk Sessions to assist them to making individual decisions, with regards to their local situation.
Commenting on the move towards normalisation, Rev Trevor Gribben, Clerk of the General Assembly and General Secretary of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland said, “Along with others in society, we welcome the steps taken by administrations in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland to move from Covid-19 legal restrictions to guidance.
“In working through the implications of these changes, both centrally and locally, we met with a number of senior government officials, including Northern Ireland’s Chief Medical Officer and Chief Scientific Advisor. In making our own recommendations, it has been important for us as a Church to balance the natural desire to move towards more ‘normal’ church life, while at the same time, keeping our members and those who also worship with us safe, particularly the most vulnerable.
“I have written to our ministers informing them that the General Council have removed all previously required PCI mitigations and measures across all areas of congregational life. I also communicated the General Council’s recommendations for Kirk Sessions to consider, when making their own decisions locally,” Mr Gribben said.
For example, the Clerk explained that the General Council recommended that while social distancing was no longer required in church buildings and halls, where possible an area of seating should be set aside, where one or two metre social distancing is maintained, for those who wish to avail of it.
At the same time, it was recommended that while face coverings are no longer required in church buildings or halls, including when singing, Mr Gribben said that those who prefer to continue to use them should be free to do so. At the same time, Kirk Sessions can, of course, decide to enhance the General Council’s recommendations and continue to require additional measures depending on their local situation.
The Clerk’s letter also said that, ‘At all times government advice should continue to be followed with regard to self-isolation related to Covid-19…[and that]…those who have (or think they might have) any of the symptoms of Covid-19, or are just generally feeling unwell, should be encouraged not to attend services, meetings or activities.’
Mr Gribben concluded by saying, “I will never forget Saint Patrick’s Day 2020 when the Moderator, Dr Henry and I wrote to our ministers informing them that all church activities, including Sunday worship, should cease. For all of us, these last two years have been very challenging times. This has especially been so for those who have lost loved ones, or who have suffered, or continue to suffer, from the physical effects of Covid and other illness, including those who struggle with their mental health as a result of the lockdowns and restrictions
“They have been two very long years, and while Covid is still with us, we give thanks to God, who has been and remains our refuge and our strength. We give thanks too for His guidance and grace during this time. As we look to the future, let us do so looking to God, and encouraging others to find their hope in Him,” Mr Gribben said.