News:
Re-opening our churches
Many of you will have heard, as we did, on the BBC over the weekend that places of worship (churches, synagogues, mosques, temples, gurdwaras etc) may re-open for private prayer from Monday 15 June 2020.
We will all be glad when we can return safely to our church buildings, but please don’t expect this to happen immediately. Government advice is passed to the C of E nationally, who in turn publish advice to dioceses. Each diocesan bishop then formulates guidance for parishes, in light of which each PCC and incumbent must decide when it will be safe to re-open their building for private prayer (NOT for a public service).
Risk assessments will need to be carried out to know how this can be done safely, with due regard to hygiene and physical distancing. This will be easier in some churches than others, depending on the nature of the building and the availability of people to do the work required, especially opening, closing and cleaning.
Our churchwardens and I have already had preparatory discussions about this, and we will let you know what is possible, feasible and sustainable.
With my very best wishes,
Steph