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The closure of churches in #NI is obviously disappointing for many people, as is the lack of consultation & published evidence - we hope to raise questions with the @niexecutive tomorrow including concerns about the clarity of advice being given from PHA and contact tracing.
But we also need to be clear at this moment that churches are not being singled out, this is not religious persecution. As church buildings close for a few weeks, the church continues to serve God, the least & the lost through everyday worship & witness as friends & neighbours.
In our experience, churches have taken the regulations incredibly seriously and in most instances gone above and beyond in their efforts to minimise risk & help reduce community transmission.
We will keep advocating for the role of churches, the importance of (and swift return to) corporate worship, the ability to continue to serve the vulnerable practically and spiritually and for fair, wise and measured regulations.
Finally, join us as we continue to pray for wisdom and good grace for all those making such difficult decisions about the risk to lives and health, jobs and livelihoods, seeing family, religious worship and things we all care so deeply about.
