We want to keep you up-to-date with information and updates about Coronavirus so that you can take appropriate action.
 

On 19 July, the UK Government confirmed the move to step 4 of their Covid-19 recovery roadmap. This removes the vast majority of the previous legal requirements. Nevertheless, as infections continue to rise, the Government recommends continuing caution. Good ventilation, diligence in hygiene, wearing a face covering in enclosed and crowded spaces, and minimising the number, proximity and duration of social contacts with those we do not live with, are all noted as beneficial behaviours. In the light of this, we recommend that it is both sensible and appropriate for churches to continue to take some measures to limit the spread of Covid-19. Churches have a responsibility to protect their staff, congregations, communities, and other users of their buildings. However, it is now down to each church to determine for itself what these measures should be.   Our main guidance documents have been updated with suggestions of questions that churches should now consider and recommendations of best practice. We will then continue to monitor and review going forward for both England and Wales.   The Coronavirus section of our website will be maintained to help churches practically and spiritually during these changing times. We are acutely aware that the process for making decisions going forward has the potential to be divisive. In some respects it was easier when rules were more restrictive but at least definite. How we make decisions may prove to be as important to churches as the decisions themselves. We appeal to everyone involved to be kind to each other, to listen well, to appreciate the pressure leaders are under, and to compromise accordingly. This is a very vulnerable time for churches and we ask you to recall the exhortation in Ephesians 4 to 'be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace'.

Our current advice can be found on our essential guidance page.