Fermanagh minister highlights the role of the clergy facing Covid-19

In a year overshadowed by Covid-19, Archdeacon Harper spoke of the challenges for clergy and the need to keep them encouraged, but said they would all get through this together.

“Clergy have been challenged about why ‘that church can do this but we can’t’, that parishioner is upset because you haven’t visited them in hospital or at home, and there is a stress in ministry when you know that you want to do more pastorally, but can’t.

“So, clergy need to be encouraged. Often, we don’t live near our parents or family circle; we find it difficult being compared negatively with our neighbouring rector or a church of another denomination, and we know that the parish is struggling to pay our stipend.

“And, whilst our homes are gratefully appreciated and are thankfully spacious and comfortable, it can be as lonely in a rectory as it can be anywhere else.

“But together, we will get through it. We have seen excellent commitment, and excellent work at all levels of society. We might be scarred but we can rebuild.”

Archdeacon Harper continued: “There are very few unused and suitable adjectives to describe 2020 and few people have been left unscathed.

“As the father of an NHS nurse in Liverpool who has only last week recovered, we hope, from Covid-19, I am conscious of the many people who have suffered considerable anxiety, illness, death and bereavement, not only in the developed world which has access to medical facilities but also around the world in places already torn apart by war, in refugee camps and in overcrowded cities and slums.

‘New opportunities’

“I have listened this week to those who have complained about the churches being closed, and remembered how enthusiastically we embraced the new opportunities last Spring and rose to the occasion, how we reached out to others, and discovered new ways of doing things, and now we seem to have become tired and angry and critical, and trying to finds ways of avoiding our responsibilities to society.

“I have watched the news footage of doctors and nurses describing their work.

“I have two children in the NHS, and they brush it off lightly, but I admire what they do, even though they don’t tell me!

“In many other careers, education and childcare, businesses, parenting, etc, people have made huge sacrifices for the community – loss of income and business, stress and mental issues, facing seemingly insurmountable crises. We need to continue doing good for all.

“Whilst our politicians have made difficult and sometimes mistaken judgement calls, as we all have, whilst researchers and scientists have stumbled into dark corners in their search for best practice and advice, and in the church we have argued about the difference between two metres and six foot, about what is legally required, and what is only advice that can be ignored, people have died and society has been rocked – not because of the politicians, but because of a virus that spreads rapidly, and that can have indiscriminate outcomes.

“Each of us has a responsibility to reduce the spread of this virus. We have, I suspect, all failed.

“We have forgotten to use the hand sanitizer or to sing ‘Happy Birthday’ at the sink.

“We may have made an unnecessary journey. We may have stood too close to someone. It is difficult to be perfect.

“So instead of being grumpy or miserable and blaming one another, we should be paying tribute to and encouraging all those who are striving to do what is good – the politicians, the scientists, who are working in a new and unfamiliar arena.

‘New arena’

“The clergy are also in that new arena and, as this is a church gathering, I want to comment on what my colleagues have achieved.

“The dioceses of Armagh and Clogher formed a joint Covid response committee to coordinate and advise our parishes of the information from both Stormont and Dáil Éireann.

“I have been personally impressed at the way parishes have responded. Compliance has been high and continues.

“Some have been imaginative in the way they have adapted with technology, drive-in services, support for the lonely. It has also been stressful for people.”

During his address, Archdeacon Harper paid tribute to members of the Diocesan Synod who had passed away during the year, thanked all diocesan staff, as well as clerical and lay people in parishes for their work.

Archdeacon Harper concluded by paying tribute to the Most Revd. John McDowell, former Bishop of Clogher, and now Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland whom he said had already provided a continuation of leadership and ministry across the island.

He thanked him for his work in the diocese on behalf of the diocese.

He also congratulated his long-time friend of 30 years, Revd. Canon Dr Ian Ellis, on his election as the next Bishop of Clogher, and said he is looking forward to his consecration and enthronement.