From Bishop Damien to the Clergy and Congregations in the DUK.
Dear Brethren,
Once again the Nation is under lockdown. There is a slight variation in the requirements issued by Government around the United Kingdom. In Scotland, I understand, Places of Worship have been closed for communal worship. In England, Churches are permitted to remain open and communal worship is allowed. I understand the Welsh Administration has or will be issuing a statement.
However, all are agreed that there is a greater risk of transmission in the latest Coronavirus variant and as such we have already reached the same peak in NHS admissions as in April and the number of deaths is also rising.
I have decided that the Pro-Cathedral will suspend public worship with immediate effect. As many of you are already aware the Archdeacon and I both fall into the higher risk categories. I know other clergy and laity in the Diocese share this.
I cannot use the Government as a reason, unlike the first lockdown, but I think you will agree that to protect others, ourselves and the NHS we need to take action. I therefore seriously recommend that public worship, where it has resumed in our Diocese, be suspended until the National lockdown is eased, which appears to be at least until mid February.
Father Thompson and I do intend to celebrate Mass at the Procathedral without a congregation when possible, and upload a recording on Sunday mornings.
Fr Jonathan Munn created a valuable resources area on the Diocesan website and upload various links and documents related to Covid-19. Please make sure he knows of any recordings, sermons or devotions you also plan to record or otherwise produce so he can add this information.
Of course, there is a difference from last year, amid the Lockdown gloom, there is an increasing bright light as the vaccines are being rolled out. Let us pray they are as effective as we all hope.
We shall continue to pray for all those in the frontline, those effected by the virus, especially those who have lost loved ones or who are worried about their employment and businesses.
With assured prayers for you all.
+Damien