News by email Donate

Suggestions

Top Stories

Most Read

Popular Videos

Church News

Clergy unable to minister Holy Week services amid Covid-19 surge

by Alex Collett

A number of clergy from the Church of England are unable to minister services this Holy Week, due to contracting Coronavirus.

Last week Covid cases hit the highest number since February 2021, with over 20,000 infections reported across the country.

The Bishop of Norwich, Graham Usher is just one of the clergy who have come down with the virus.

In a series of Tweets posted on social media he said: "After two years, I've tested positive for Covid.

"Gutted not to be able to at the Diocese of Norwich, Chrism Eucharist service. 

"Very disappointed that I can't preside at this service but I'll be joining the live stream.

"Just don't catch Covid like me!

To which Stephen Hance National Lead for Evangelism and Witness of the Church of England replied: "Sorry to hear. 

"I think that's now 4 diocesans I know with Covid this Holy Week. 

"Very bad timing."

Bryony Taylor, Rector of Barlborough & Clowne churches, from the Diocese of Derby, also tweeted about the issue and asked people to pray for the clergy, as they miss out this week.

She tweeted: "Lots of clergy are missing Holy Week with their churches because of Covid. 

"Please spare a prayer for us missing out on the highlight of the year."

The Group & Lay Canon Emerita of Ely Cathedral Jan Payne also tweeted and said: "This LLM is OK so far but I am seeing several diocesan Bishops are down and a lot of clergy too. 

"Holy Week 2022 could be memorable."

Health chiefs want Britons to follow a string of new Covid measures to fight record infection rates in the UK and ease pressure on the NHS.

The Bishop of London, Sarah Mullally who led the Church’s Covid Recovery Group, said: “Just as with other workforces across the country, a number of clergy are affected by the virus at the moment – during what is of course a particularly busy and holy time for our churches. 

“We pray for all those who are ill and offer our thanks to those who step in and offer support, lay and ordained.”

A Monthly Gift Of $11 Makes A World Of Difference

In a world of fake news there’s never been a greater need for quality Christian journalism. Premier’s mission is to provide the Church with the most up to date and relevant news, told from a Christian perspective. But we can’t do it without you.

Unlike many websites we haven't put up a paywall — we want to keep our journalism free at the point of need and as open as we can. Premier’s news output takes a lot of time, money and hard work to produce. No one in the USA is sharing news like we are across radio, magazines and online so please help us to continue that today.

For a monthly gift of $11 or more we’d also be able to send you a free copy of the brand new Premier Bible, a wonderful Anglicised version of the NLT packed with exclusive bonus content, reading plan and resources to help you get the most out of scripture.

Your monthly support will make a world of difference. Thank you.

Support Us
Continue the conversation on our Facebook page

Related Articles

Sign up to our newsletter to stay informed with news from a Christian perspective.

News by email

Connect

Donate

Donate