There have been more than 600 attacks on places of worship in Northern Ireland in the last five years, prompting renewed calls for action to protect churches and other religious buildings. 

Attacks on places of worship occur 'every three days' in NI

A clergyman wearing a mask at the first wedding to be held at St George in Hanworth Park, London, since the lockdown. Photo date: Thursday, August 13, 2020. Photo credit should read: Richard Gray/EMPICS

The leaders of the main churches across the island of Ireland have united to recommend the wearing of face coverings during worship. 

Church leaders recommend wearing face masks during worship

The leaders of Northern Ireland’s main churches have jointly called for the re-opening of places of worship for individual private prayer.

Church leaders urge re-opening for individual prayer

Scammers are targeting vulnerable people by offering to collect church envelopes containing money, the Catholic Church has warned.

Scammers targeting church donations during outbreak

The leaders of Ireland’s main churches have called for politicians engaged in a new round of talks to seize the opportunity before them.

Churches call for ‘courageous leadership’ from politicians

The Presbyterian Church in Ireland has selected Rev William Henry as the new moderator. 


Presbyterian Church elects new moderator

Police are investigating the third attack on a Free Presbyterian church in Ballyclare, Co Antrim within the last 12 months.

Church in Ballyclare attacked for third time in a year

A priest has stepped aside from his role following a historical complaint brought to the Diocese of Armagh and reported to gardaí.

Priest steps aside over historical complaint

A Belfast priest who was one of the survivors of abuse to meet Pope Francis says he believes he is determined to address the problem.

Abuse survivor priest says Pope ‘determined’ to root out corruption

The Pope has asked for forgiveness for the crimes of church figures in Ireland at an open air Mass at Phoenix Park in Dublin.

Pope asks for forgiveness for abuses committed by church members

The Pope has spoken of his pain and shame at the failure of church authorities to tackle the grave scandal of clerical abuse in Ireland. 

Pope shamed by church's failure on clerical abuse

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has told the Pope 'that the Ireland of the 21st century is a very different place today than it was in the past.'

Ireland 'different place today than it was in the past'

The pontiff's flight from Rome touched down at Dublin Airport at 10.26am on Saturday 25 August, where he was greeted by the Coveney family.

The Pope arrives in Ireland for historic two-day visit

Olive Foley has been given a standing ovation at the World Meeting of Families after speaking about losing her rugby legend husband Anthony.

Standing ovation for widow of Irish rugby legend Foley

The Pope has expressed hope his visit to Ireland will help grow unity and reconciliation among Christians on the island.

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