Here is a note from the FCG General Secretary, Paul Rochester, in regards to the recent updates from meeting with MHCLG concerning churches in England (MHCLG - Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government) .
To: FCG General Secretaries, Member Church Contacts
Dear All
I have attended a meeting with MHCLG along with over 80 other faith leaders.
Government is taking a different approach to opening of places of worship. The Government is moving away from listing the activities that are permissible and provide a framework for local churches to take decisions for their local setting. This means that from 4th July the full range of activities, including baptisms, ordination services and children services will be allowable within the context of the guidance. The Guidance will be issued in the next few days.
Wedding services will also allowed but treated differently because of the closer interaction between people.
There will be a cap of 30 people. There was a discussion about cap and if it applies to other worship services. MHCLG are checking that point with No10. However, the Minister said he was fairly sure that wasn’t the case. However, we were asked to wait for the guidance to confirm the position. Guidance on weddings will be handled separately as this will include civil and religious ceremonies.
In terms of singing, a distinction is being made between congregational singing, choirs and individual singing.
Individual singing and chanting will be allowable but the guidance will strongly advise against congregational singing and choirs. Guidance will be given on how individual singing can take place safely, for example the use of screens and distancing between the congregation and the singer. Musical instruments will be allowed except wind instruments.
The guidance will advise that records of those attending a service be kept for track and tracing purposes. This will not be mandatory. Any list of those attending would only need to be kept for a short time and we will need to consider GDPR implications.
I think that whilst the framework approach is welcome, churches will need to ensure that people attending our services are kept covid-19 safe; this must remain the overriding priority. The risk assessment will be therefore be critical and should be taken very seriously.
Public Health England are looking into singing, chanting shouting (projection of voices) and will hopefully report soon. This work should hopefully help with risk assessments.
Other points to note is that communal items should be made available in single use form only. There should be no sharing of items such as hymn books, prayer mats etc.
The framework covers all places of worship including school or community halls. However, depending on the other venues, other relevant guidance may need to be considered.
God bless,
Paul
Revd Paul Rochester |General Secretary|Free Churches Group|27 Tavistock Square, London, WC1H 9HH| 020 36518335|paul.rochester@freechurches.org.uk | www.freechurches.org.uk
(photo courtesy of Cytonn Photography at Unsplash)
