Bishop of Derry and Raphoe takes steps against COVID-19

He said parishioners across Derry, Donegal and Tyrone could take practical steps to delay the spread of the illness. Bishop Forster asked anyone feeling unwell or exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19 to self-isolate and stay away from church. Alternative pastoral support can be arranged, he added.

Sunday services will continue until further notice, however.

“For the moment, I do not intend to suspend Sunday services in our churches. However, as well as following Church and state guidelines, there are sensible and practical things that parishes and clergy can and should do. These include: The use of retiring offerings instead of passing collection plates. Standing to receive Communion so as to stop potential transmission from touching the communion rail; and observing social distancing (by sitting at least two metres apart in church). No gathering for refreshments before or after Services,” said the Church of Ireland prelate.

The Bishop announced that all celebrations of Confirmation are suspended until further notice and where weddings and baptisms go ahead, services should be consistent with the appropriate governmental advice.

“Funerals are particularly sensitive. Clergy will be available to conduct services and provide pastoral support to the bereaved, but once again this will be done in a manner consistent with the most up-to-date health advice for the parish concerned,” he said.

Pastoral visits will continue at the discretion of diocesan clergy and in line with government guidance.

“I would ask parishioners to support and pray for those who lead services. I would appeal to clergy who find themselves in vulnerable categories to contact their Rural Deans, either of the Archdeacons or myself. We may well find ourselves having to introduce contingency measures in areas where numbers of ministers become depleted.

“I implore you to pray for the scientists who are searching for a vaccine for the COVID-19 virus and for policymakers who are working to keep us all safe.

“This is a fast-moving situation and there will be ongoing communication from the Diocese. I again encourage all worshippers and clergy to familiarise themselves with the advisory guidelines issued by the Church of Ireland regarding the novel Coronavirus (Covid–19). They should also be aware of the latest advices given by the British and Irish governments for their respective jurisdictions,” said the Bishop.