Police investigate report of ‘assault’ against 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.Enoch Burke was dismissed from his teaching job at Wilson’s Hospital School in Co Westmeath (PA)PA ArchiveA 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.”