The Archbishop of Dublin has warned all churches that breaches of COVID-19 regulations are “unacceptable.”

It comes after the Church of the Guardian Angels in Blackrock opened its doors for mass yesterday.

In a statement, Archbishop Diarmuid Martin said he appreciates the desire to see public worship up and running again as soon as possible – but said any church that takes the rules into its own hands Is ‘putting everyone at risk.’

“The current public health policy has required sacrifice on the part of all of us,” he said. “People have accepted that.”

“I think of those who have had to bury a loved one without the normal process of grieving, with funeral rites limited to a bare minimum.  We must show respect for those whose sacrifice has been greatest.”

The Church of the Guardian Angels in Blackrock, Dublin. Image: RollingNews

He said the Blackrock church has assured him it won’t open again until it is safe to do so.

“Public health policy will only work when its proposals and sequencing are fully respected by all,” he said.

“There is no room for self-dispensation from or self-interpretation of the norms.  Jumping the queue by individuals or communities puts everyone at risk.

“I have reminded all parishes this week that disregard for the norms of public health is something that is unacceptable.”

Archbishop Martin noted that the Irish Bishops Conference will soon publish a document outlining all the steps churches must take before they reopen.

Each church will then have to put forward a detailed plan based on its own individual circumstances.

“This Irish Church is working intensely to ensure that the reopening of churches for public worship will be take place in a manner and at a time that is safe,” said Archbishop Martin.

“I appeal to all Churches in the Archdiocese of Dublin to adhere strictly to public policy, even if it involves patience and personal suffering.”

Under the roadmap for reopening, churches are due to return on July 20th in Phase Four.