From the Bishop to the Parishes and Missions of the Diocese.
COVID-19 2nd Lockdown
I write following the Prime Ministers announcement today that England will, from Thursday 5th November to Wednesday 2nd December, enter new national restrictions.
Although Places of Worship were not mentioned in the Downing Street broadcast, checking the Government’s website, we find that Places of Worship are instructed to close for the 4 week period, for public worship – although there are some exceptions.
Section 5 of the regulations which I reproduce here, explains:
5. Weddings, civil partnerships, religious services and funerals
Funerals can be attended by a maximum of 30 people, and it is advised that only close friends and family attend. Linked ceremonial events such as stone settings and ash scatterings can also continue with up to 15 people in attendance. Anyone working is not included. Social distancing should be maintained between people who do not live together or share a support bubble.
Weddings, civil partnership ceremonies will not be permitted to take place except in exceptional circumstances.
Places of Worship will be closed, unless they are being used for:
– Funerals
– To broadcast acts of worship
– Individual prayer
– Formal childcare or where part of a school
– Essential voluntary and public services, such as blood donation or food banks
– Other exempted activities such as some support groups
This is once again very sad and a disruption to our normal lives and the practice of our faith. However, we understand in these exceptional times, exceptional measures must be taken. We shall comply with the requirements.
I intend to record services from the Pro-Cathedral and upload them to my YouTube Channel as I did during the first Lockdown, for each of the 4 Sundays we are required to close.
Our two Welsh Missions are under different regulations.
In Christ
+Damien