FIRST minister Arlene Foster has telephoned Bishop of Derry Donal McKeown to discuss his appeal that churches should be allowed to re-open as places of private prayer and solace.
Current coronavirus restrictions mean that churches are closed to the public, though they can host funerals where the numbers attending are very small and mourners observe social-distancing.
Dr McKeown told The Irish News this week that he believed access to churches for prayer was "at least as important as access to an off-licence".
Standalone off-licences were forced to close last week when the government tightened restrictions on what shops could remain open during the coronavirus outbreak.
However there was a government u-turn on closures following lobbying.
Dr McKeown also pointed out that among the 'reasonable excuses' for leaving home was providing care and assistance to a vulnerable person.
He argued that going to a church could be an important service for someone who was vulnerable.
Mrs Foster spoke to Dr McKeown on Wednesday after reading about his concerns.
The bishop said he had appreciated the conversation.
The Executive Office said that regulations around coronavirus restrictions would be subject to "regular review".
"Ministers understand the important role that churches play in the lives of people and particularly the comfort they offer in times of difficulty," it said in a statement.
"The decision to limit the use of church buildings, as set out in the regulations published on March 28, reflects expert advice on life-saving measures at this time.
"All of the restrictions set out in the regulations are temporary and subject to regular review, the first of which is April 18."
Meanwhile, around 37,0000 people are watching daily Mass broadcasts from the Cathedral of Saint Eunan and Saint Columba in Letterkenny, Co Donegal.
Bishop of Raphoe Alan McGuckian SJ said that the Monday to Friday broadcasts meant worshippers were "digitally united in faith".
The developments came as the Public Health Agency said another six people who tested positive for Covid-19 had died, bringing the total in Northern Ireland to 36.
In the Republic the death toll stands at 98 after another 13 patients with the disease died yesterday.
In other major developments:
- RCN director Pat Cullen hits out at Stormont ministers demanding more clarity on the supply of personal protection equipment (PPE) and tests
- President Higgins praises frontline workers during a special radio broadcast
- Thousands of people show their appreciation with a public applause for healthcare workers
- A DUP councillor apologises after claiming the coronavirus pandemic is God's judgement
- The PSNI warn domestic abuses cases on the rise during the lockdown
- Confirmed global coronavirus cases pass one million, after doubling in less than a week
