Police investigate report of ‘assault’ against cleric in Armagh
It comes following an incident involving Enoch Burke.
Police in Northern Ireland are investigating a report of the alleged “assault” of a cleric in Armagh.
It comes following an incident involving former teacher Enoch Burke at St Patrick’s Church of Ireland Cathedral on Thursday.
A video on social media appears to show Mr Burke confront the Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland, John McDowell, over the ex-teacher’s long-running legal battle following his dismissal from Wilson’s Hospital School in Co Westmeath.
The row stemmed from incidents over a request in 2022 from the school’s then-principal to address a student by a new name and pronoun.
Mr Burke and his family, evangelical Christians from Co Mayo, argued the direction was unconstitutional and went against his right to express his religious beliefs.
A spokesperson for the Church of Ireland said on Friday: “Yesterday, Archbishop McDowell and the family, colleagues and friends of a late rector gathered at St Patrick’s Cathedral Armagh for the funeral service of a dear and much respected pastor.
“It is a matter of deep concern and sadness that the Burke family considered this was an appropriate occasion to confront the Archbishop in a particularly hostile and aggressive manner.
“No respect was shown for the occasion or the sanctity of the cathedral grounds.
“Entry on to the See House property, which is a private residence, is a further concern.
“Archbishop McDowell, other members of the church who were present, and the church’s authorities will assist with the PSNI’s inquiries.”
A spokesperson for the Police Service of Northern Ireland said: “Police are investigating a report of an assault on a member of the clergy at St Patrick’s Cathedral in Armagh.
“Police inquiries are ongoing.”