PSNI Investigates Assault Allegations Against Archbishop McDowell

The Police Service of Northern Ireland has opened an investigation into an alleged assault on John McDowell, the Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland. The incident occurred in the grounds of St Patrick’s Cathedral in Armagh town. A video shared by the Burke family on social media shows the confrontation. In the clip, McDowell is seen speaking to Burke, who stands with his father, Seán. McDowell repeats the phrase “You are assaulting me” several times while Burke holds his sleeves. The archbishop also warns, “If you keep assaulting me, I’m going to go the police.”

Enoch Burke, a former teacher and evangelical Christian, has spent more than 700 days in prison in the Republic of Ireland. These sentences resulted from his repeated breaches of court orders that banned him from Wilson’s Hospital School. The school is under the patronage of the Church of Ireland. Burke was formally dismissed from his position there in May for gross misconduct. He continues to seek reinstatement through the courts, arguing that the dismissal violated his religious beliefs.

The dispute at Wilson’s Hospital School began in June 2022. At that time, principal Niamh McShane directed teachers to address a student by a new name and using the pronouns “they” and “them.” Burke opposed this change, claiming it contradicted scriptural truth. He later said, “I have languished in a prison cell for upholding the Church of Ireland ethos and for refusing to forsake scriptural truth. What do you have to say about it?”

The Church of Ireland confirmed in a statement that it contacted the PSNI following the incident. A police spokesperson stated that enquiries are ongoing regarding the report of an assault on a member of the clergy. The confrontation took place as McDowell attempted to enter the parochial house within the cathedral grounds. Burke continued to shout insults even after the archbishop shut the door behind him.

Earlier this month, High Court judge Brian Cregan ordered the sequestration of a car used to transport Burke to the school gates. The judge also ordered Burke’s immediate arrest and return to Mountjoy Prison if he appeared outside the gates again. Burke has not returned to Wilson’s Hospital School since that order was issued. He was most recently released from prison in July.

The original ban on Burke was made by Judge Alexander Owens more than three years ago. Burke has maintained that his presence at the school was necessary to uphold its religious character. The current investigation follows the latest escalation in a dispute that has kept the former teacher in and out of jail for nearly two years.