News by email Donate

Suggestions

Top Stories

Most Read

Popular Videos

UK News

‘Disappointment and hurt’ as places of worship remain shut while shops reopen says Bishop of London

by Press Association

Worshippers feel “disappointment and hurt” at not being able to visit places of worship, despite some shops being allowed to open to the public, a bishop has said.

As of Monday, car showrooms and outdoor markets in England are allowed to reopen while non-essential shops can start to trade again from 15th June.

But places of worship remain shut, with the Government saying they could open for individual or private prayer at an unspecified date before opening up for small weddings and services.

Places of worship come under step three of the Government’s coronavirus recovery strategy, which means they cannot open until 4th July at the earliest.

The continued closure is a blow for worshippers, Bishop of London Dame Sarah Mullally said, with questions being raised about how and where lockdown restrictions are being eased.

“There is no doubt that a second wave of the virus could be devastating for our way of life,” she said.

“Yet with shops reopening and some people appearing to be returning to a degree of normality, it is understandable that questions are being raised as to how and where the lockdown is being relaxed.

“Churchgoers are amongst those feeling real disappointment and hurt, as places of worship remain closed to the public.”

She said the Church of England (CoE) was working with local churches to develop a detailed plan to help them open for individual prayer as well as weddings and eventually services.

But she added: “For now, the Government does not deem it safe for us to take these steps.

“We are committed to finding a safe way of opening up the nation’s sacred spaces as soon as possible, at least initially for individual prayer, wherever proper physical distancing can be maintained.

“We believe it could help bring healing and strength to many who are hurting amid this traumatic time, with our churches acting in so many places at the centre of community life, which is now beginning to resume.”

It comes after Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick said people of faith may find it “strange” that places of worship would remain closed when shops and other places may open in the coming weeks and months.

At the Downing Street briefing on Sunday, he said: “I understand how important it is for millions of people in this country, and I can understand how people of faith would consider it strange that shops, cafes, pubs, restaurants, many other settings, might be open in the weeks and months ahead, but not somewhere as important as a place of worship.”

He continued: “I think the first logical step is probably to open places of worship for individual or private prayer, and that’s what we’re working towards with the faith leaders.”

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