Bishops welcome return of public worship

News of the return of public worship has been welcomed by leading bishops in the region.

The Bishop of Lichfield, Rev. Dr Michael Ipgrave, called the announcement "a significant step on the journey out of lockdown"

Rev. Dr Michael Ipgrave, Bishop of Lichfield and Rev. Dr John Inge, Bishop of Worcester, have been speaking following the announcement by the Government which allows churches to reopen for public worship.

The announcement allows for public worship, but no singing, and weddings with a maximum of 30 people to take place from Saturday, July 4.

Bishop Ipgrave welcomed the announcement, calling a significant step on the journey out of lockdown.

He said: "For many it will bring a sense of relief that they will again be able to worship together in the building they call ‘home’, or get married in church.

"It will also be wonderful to welcome people into church buildings who have encountered church – some maybe for the first time – online, over the phone or in their community during lockdown."

"For others, there may be nervousness due to the continued, and real, threat of coronavirus which has had such a devastating impact in our communities.

The Bishop of Worcester, Rev. Dr John Inge, said it was great news, but also said safety was of paramount importance

"That is why there will be no pressure for churches to open their buildings on July 4 or until they are ready.

"Each minister or church will want to take into account their local circumstances in deciding how and when to respond."

Bishop Ipgrave's words were echoed by the Bishop of Worcester, who spoke about the ways churches have supported their communities through lockdown.

He said: "Churches have been supporting their communities throughout the lockdown in all kinds of practical and spiritual ways.

"It’s great news that from July 4, we will be able to open our buildings for worship and weddings and to be a place of comfort and hope for all those who have been affected by the pandemic.

"However, safety remains of paramount importance and we’ll be looking closely at the Government’s advice and working out how churches might open while ensuring we are protecting the vulnerable and limiting the spread of the virus.”

A full statement by the Church of England on the announcement can be read by going to churchofengland.org/more/media-centre/news/reopening-church-buildings-public-worship