Coronavirus: Churches in England reopen for Sunday service

Worshippers follow new guidance, including social distancing and ban on singing

Christians can now attend Sunday services again as churches across England reopen to the public after more than three months of lockdown due to coronavirus.

The easing of lockdown restrictions allowed places of worship to welcome their first congregations back on Saturday. Those who attended services were asked to follow hygiene and social distancing guidance, including changes to singing and Holy Communion.

Photos posted by churches online showed socially-distanced chairs placed in front of altars, with many places of worship live-streaming their services to worshippers at home.

Guidance available on the Church of England’s website advised against singing and raised voices due to “the potential for increased risk of transmission from aerosol and droplet”.

“You may wish to consider the use of recordings as an alternative to live singing,” the guidance said.

During Holy Communion, any bread or wine to be consumed must be covered until it is distributed, and the use of individual communion wafers or bread that has already been divided is encouraged.

Cash donations and the passing around of collection plates for offerings are also now discouraged.

A limited number of worshippers were allowed to attend a service at York Minster, with attendees asked to leave their names and contact details.

Staff and clergy wore face masks and visors to welcome visitors, who followed a one-way system in and out of the building.

The Dean of York, the Right Reverent Dr Jonathan Frost, said: “We are delighted to open our doors again to welcome people for public worship and to explore this magnificent sacred space.

“Over the last few weeks we have welcomed many for individual prayer, but to gather again for worship – with relevant physical distancing measures in place – will be a huge encouragement for many.”

Some other churches opted for drive-in services, such as one “Songs of Praise-style service” held at St Barnabas Church at Swanmore, Hampshire.

About 40 cars gathered in the village hall car park on Sunday morning to worship and sing, led by Reverend Clare Towns. Attendees had to book places beforehand, choose their favourite hymns and songs, and sing inside their cars with members of their own household.

Reverend Towns said: “We decided that we wanted to offer people the chance to sing, as that is an important part of Christian worship.

“For people in the village, it’s another sign that the church is at the heart of this community.”

Erica Wooff, vicar of Stockwell, said on Twitter: “Well, I was expecting five, hoping for 20 and 40 came, with two children. Alleluia! 50 per cent capacity. We did it.

“We followed all Church of England guidelines, and we live-streamed the service. With 45 watching there. So that’s pretty much 100 per cent return. Deo gratias.”

Additional reporting by PA