Police repent: Officers apologise to churchgoers after shutting down their Good Friday service for breaking Covid lockdown rules
- Two police officers stopped a Good Friday service claiming Covid rule breaches
- On Sunday Det Supt Andy Wadey and Supt Roger Ardritti addressed service
- They said there had been ‘significant reflection and learning’ since the incident
Police officers have said they “deeply regret” the upset caused by shutting down a Good Friday church service for breaching coronavirus rules.
Two Metropolitan Police officers halted the service when they found some worshippers breaching social-distancing guidelines and not wearing masks, according to the force.
In a letter to parishioners on its website, the Polish Catholic church responded at the time by saying police had exceeded their powers and that all Government requirements were met.
Yesterday Detective Superintendent Andy Wadey and Superintendent Roger Arditti addressed worshippers in a Sunday mass service at Christ the King in Balham, south London, which was live-streamed on YouTube.
The Polish Catholic church said at the time police had exceeded their powers and that all Government requirements were met at Christ the King (pictured)
Detective Supt Wadey said there had been ‘significant reflection and learning’ by members of the force and New Scotland Yard since the incident.
He said: ‘The intention of the Met is to protect and support communities in staying safe during the pandemic.
‘We know, however, that many people were very upset by what happened on Good Friday and we deeply regret that.
‘Since then, there has been significant reflection and learning by me, Roger, our colleagues who work with us locally and also, senior leaders at New Scotland Yard.
‘The Metropolitan Police truly wishes to serve and protect you in the very best possible way.
‘I truly hope that today marks the start of a renewed, deep and lasting relationship with the parish of Christ the King Balham and also the wider Polish communities.’
In a response posted on the church’s website, priest Wladyslaw Wyszacjki said the interruption to the Good Friday service was ‘very painful for our parish’, but thanked the officers for attending.
He said: ‘The interruption of the Good Friday liturgy was very painful for our parish community, but in the spirit of the Gospel, we willingly extend our hand to the representatives of the Police authorities in order to further build a deep and lasting relationship between us, based on mutual respect and regard for the rights of worshipers to freely practice their faith.’
Metropolitan police officers halted the Good Friday service, claiming a breach of Covid rules
The church said worshippers obeyed police orders during the shutdown, and the Met said no fixed penalty notices were issued.
Police turned up at a Polish Catholic church again during an Easter Sunday Mass.
From March 8, places of worship in England were allowed to open for communal prayer, and limits to congregation sizes were dependent on the capacity of the establishment.
People on social media have slammed the police for shutting down the service, labelling the handling of the situation ‘disproportionate’.
Christians stand outside during an Easter Sunday service due to lack of space indoors because of covid-19 social distancing guidelines
Christians kneel outside during an Easter Sunday service due to lack of space indoors because of covid-19 social distancing guidelines
One wrote: ‘I’m actually ashamed of what you did on Good Friday of all days. Stop hiding behind Covid transmission, when we see large scale protests being facilitated at this very minute in London.’
Teresa Wilkins said: ‘Disgraceful, disproportionate and deeply offensive on the most solemn day of the Catholic calendar.’
Another wrote: ‘Absolutely disgraceful behaviour by the police.’
London Metropolitan Police said at the time it was called to reports of large crowds gathering outside the church before the congregation.
A spokesperson said: ‘Officers attended and found a large number of people inside the church. Some people were not wearing masks and those present were clearly not socially distanced.
‘Understanding the sensitivity of the situation, officers engaged with the priest outside the church and were invited inside to address the congregation.
‘No fixed penalty notices were issued.’