Police investigate alleged assault after video shows Enoch Burke confronting Archbishop of Armagh

Police in Northern Ireland are investigating a report of the alleged “assault” of a 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 posted on social media by Mr Burke appears to show him confronting 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.

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.”

Enoch Burke confronting the Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland John McDowell. Video: Social Media

In the video, Burke, accompanied by his father Sean, confronts Archbishop McDowell and grabs his arm, prompting the archbishop to say: "You are assaulting me."

Burke accuses the archbishop of remaining "silent" while he was in a "prison cell for 700 days".

Archbishop McDowell repeatedly tells Burke that he is "assaulting" him and "preventing me from going about my lawful business".

He warns: "If you keep assaulting me, I am going to report you to the police."

Another church member tells Burke: "You are in the grounds of a cathedral at a funeral."

A Church of Ireland spokesperson said it was a matter of "deep concern and sadness" that the Burke family had confronted the archbishop in a "particularly hostile and aggressive manner" following the funeral service of a rector from the diocese who died last week.

"No respect was shown for the occasion or the sanctity of the cathedral grounds," the spokesperson said.

"Entry onto the See House property, which is a private residence, is a further concern."

The Church said it would assist police with their enquiries and would not comment further until the investigation was completed.