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<p>Following the Government announcement of a second lockdown, churches have been
required to close again for public worship, between 5<sup>th</sup> November and 2<sup>nd</sup>
December. The Archbishops of Canterbury and York, the Bishop of London and senior
Christian and other faith leaders wrote to the Prime Minister about this and their
letter can be read here: <a href="https://www.churchofengland.org/sites/default/files/2020-11/Faith%20communities%20letter%20to%20Prime%20MInister%20%28ii%29.pdf"
target="_blank">https://www.churchofengland.org/sites/default/files/2020-11/Faith%20communities%20letter%20to%20Prime%20MInister%20%28ii%29.pdf</a>.</p><p>In
it they concluded: “We have already said there is no scientific rationale for suspension
of Public Worship where it is compliant with the guidance that we have worked jointly
with government to establish. We believe government, and Public Health England, accept
this. Government is making decisions about what aspects of our life during this period
of restrictions are essential. We believe we have demonstrated that continuation of
public worship is essential, for all the reasons we have set out above. We call on
government to recognise and support this, and enable us to continue to worship safely,
as part of the essential fabric of the nation.”</p><p>The Church of England remains
in dialogue with the Government about this as part of the Government’s Places of Worship
Task Force. I commend the work of clergy and volunteers across the country during
this very challenging time.</p><p>Church buildings may remain open for individual
prayer where it has been possible to make them COVID-secure. The Church has continued
to encourage clergy to broadcast services and make resources available online where
possible. Guidance and advice from Public Health England and the Church of England
is being distributed to clergy and is published on the Church of England website here:
<a href="https://www.churchofengland.org/resources/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance-churches"
target="_blank">https://www.churchofengland.org/resources/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance-churches</a>.</p>
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