Armagh archbishop reports assault by Burke
Police are investigating a physical confrontation between the Church of Ireland leader and a former teacher in cathedral grounds.
By Emily Brooks ·
The Police Service of Northern Ireland is investigating an alleged assault against John McDowell, the Church of Ireland Archbishop of Armagh.
The incident took place in the grounds of St Patrick’s Cathedral in Armagh town. Video footage shared by the Burke family shows Enoch Burke grabbing McDowell by the sleeves and blocking his path.
Burke, a former teacher, has spent 700 days in jail in the Republic of Ireland. He was imprisoned for defying court orders to stay away from Wilson’s Hospital School.
The school is under the patronage of the Church of Ireland. Burke was dismissed in May for gross misconduct related to his treatment of then-principal Niamh McShane.
The dispute began in June 2022 when McShane asked teachers to use a new name and the pronouns they and them for a student. Burke, an evangelical Christian, argued the request conflicted with his religious beliefs.
After Burke continued to enter the school grounds, Judge Alexander Owens issued orders banning him from the premises more than three years ago. He was last released from prison in July.
In October, High Court judge Brian Cregan ordered the sequestration of a car used to transport Burke to the school gates. Cregan also ordered Burke’s immediate arrest if seen outside the gates again.
Burke has not returned to the school since that order. The Church of Ireland confirmed that police were contacted after the incident involving McDowell.
A PSNI spokesperson stated that enquiries are ongoing regarding a report of an assault on a member of the clergy.
In the video, McDowell tells Burke, “You are assaulting me.” Burke responds by asking what McDowell has to say about his time in prison for upholding the church’s ethos.
McDowell warns Burke that he will call the police if the physical contact continues. Burke remains in the area after McDowell enters the parochial house, continuing to shout through the closed door.
