Police apologise for halting church service on Good Friday

Police addressing worshippers at Christ the King Polish Church in Balham, London (Photo: Sky News)

Police officers visited Christ the King Polish Church in Balham, London, on Sunday to apologise for halting a Good Friday service.

The Easter service was broken up midway through by officers because they said worshippers "were clearly not socially distanced".

Worshippers were ordered to leave the building and threatened with £200 fines or even arrest if they failed to provide their details.

At the time, the church said the service had been held in keeping with government Covid-19 guidelines, and that "the police brutally exceeded their powers by issuing their warrant for no good reason, as all government requirements were met". 

On Sunday, Detective Superintendent Andy Wadey and Superintendent Roger Arditti addressed worshippers and admitted officers were in the wrong. 

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."

Churches were allowed to gather for worship during the lockdown, with numbers limited to how many could safely fit in the building following social distancing guidelines. 

Responding to the apology, the Catholic Archbishop of Southwark, said there had been "very fruitful" conversations with the police since the incident and that the church remained committed to "healing" and "collaboration".

"We all share the same desire to move forward in friendship, working together for the common good. We are committed to enabling freedom of worship for everyone, in safe and secure environments," he said. 

Mgr Władysław Wyszowadzki, priest of Christ the King, added, "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 worshippers to freely practice their faith." 

News
The first Christmas song to be sung in churches
The first Christmas song to be sung in churches

Every Christmas, people sing the song “While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks by Night”. Unlike many other songs and carols that include elements of non-biblical tradition and myth, this song is pure Scripture. It was the first Christmas song authorised to be sung in the Church of England. This is the story …

The story of the Christmas Truce of 1914
The story of the Christmas Truce of 1914

On Christmas Eve in 1914, many men were in the trenches fighting the war, but the spirit of Christmas halted the conflict for a brief period. This is the story …

Report highlights injustices experienced by Christians in the Holy Land
Report highlights injustices experienced by Christians in the Holy Land

Jerusalem Church leaders have released a report detailing the struggles and challenges currently faced be Christians living in the Holy Land.

Have you lost the wonder of Christmas?
Have you lost the wonder of Christmas?

For you who have been followers of Jesus Christ for a long time, maybe the pain and suffering of this world and the darkness you have had to live through this past year has gotten you down to the point of complete and utter discouragement. But all is not lost.