‘Keep the marathon open to all’ says Bishop Harold
Bishop Harold has spoken out regarding plans to hold the Belfast City Marathon on a Sunday. He says:
“I am pleased to hear that the Belfast City Council has deferred a decision about moving the annual Belfast City Marathon from its traditional May Day Bank Holiday slot to the Sunday of the holiday weekend. The objections raised have included the question of people being able to get to worship if the event is held on a Sunday, and roads are closed.
“In fact the issue is wider. The marathon on May Day Monday is one of those really important events in the city, because it is genuinely embraced by all. That includes a very large number of people who are practicing Christians. For such people, Sunday worship is part of the key pattern of their lives. Holding the event on a Sunday would be very difficult for many of them, and I would urge that this wider aspect of the decision be considered. Please don’t create a situation which excludes a key part of the community. Keep the marathon open to all.”
+Harold
The Rt Revd Harold Miller
Bishop of Down & Dromore