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<p>The Church Commissioners do not have responsibility for setting a timetable for
the reopening of church buildings for funeral services. Baptisms and weddings cannot
at present be celebrated inside church buildings, and the relevant Cabinet Office
and MHCLG guidance can be seen here: <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/further-businesses-and-premises-to-close/further-businesses-and-premises-to-close-guidance#contents"
target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/further-businesses-and-premises-to-close/further-businesses-and-premises-to-close-guidance#contents</a></p><p>Current
guidance from the House of Bishops is not to conduct funeral services in church buildings
because of widely expressed concerns about parishes having capacity to conduct such
funerals safely, including being able to clean churches thoroughly between services
to reduce the risk of transmission of the virus. This is guidance, not instruction.
We are acutely aware of the anguish of those not able to celebrate significant life
events such as baptisms, weddings and funerals in their parish church in the current
circumstances. The House of Bishops meets regularly to review its guidance which will
be updated in line with changing circumstances, and published on the Church of England
website.</p>
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