Fr Michael Canny of Derry Diocese
The can reopen provided they can adhere to social distancing and public hygiene requirements.
To date, they’ve only been permitted to open for individual prayer or drive-in services.
But according to Fr Michael Canny from the Derry diocese, people’s behaviour will have to be different in a church.
“The biggest difference of all will be behaviours, like chatting to each other and we won’t be able to shake hands and go face-to-face to hug them,” he said.
“I don’t think today is going to be the problem, it is when things progress and we go back to old habits.”
Presbyterian minister, the Rev Trevor Gribben, said that many of the members are longing to be back, but many will also be “nervous” and “apprehensive”.
“This first Sunday, on the 5th of July, only a small number of our churches will meet because many will be preparing – doing things like putting the signage in place,” he said.
He added: “We must be safe places.”
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