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<p>The House of Bishops revised their guidance on access to churches on the 5th May
2020. <br>The new guidance can be read here: <a href="https://www.churchofengland.org/more/media-centre/news/house-bishops-backs-phased-approach-revising-access-church-buildings"
target="_blank">https://www.churchofengland.org/more/media-centre/news/house-bishops-backs-phased-approach-revising-access-church-buildings</a></p><p>Government
guidance states that ‘a minister of religion or worship leader may leave their home
to travel to their place of worship’. In most cases, they will do so in order to pray
or to stream a service of worship. If clergy wish to mark VE Day by ringing a church
bell or flying a flag from their church buildings, that is within government guidance.
This advice does not extend to bell-ringers, sextons or other church officers or volunteers.</p><p>The
parish church would usually be central to local commemorations of events such as Victory
in Europe Day, but for this anniversary they will be honouring the sacrifice of all
those who were involved in World War Two in a new way. Archbishops, Bishops and clergy
will be participating in local and national virtual services to mark VE Day. The Church
of England has released national resources for worship and prayer which can be used
by local communities: <a href="https://www.churchofengland.org/prayer-and-worship/worship-texts-and-resources/worship-resources-ve-day-2020"
target="_blank">https://www.churchofengland.org/prayer-and-worship/worship-texts-and-resources/worship-resources-ve-day-2020</a></p><p>Additional
resources have been released by Westminster Abbey to help churches shape their services
over the anniversary weekend which can be found here: <a href="https://www.leeds.anglican.org/sites/default/files/files/veday2015resources.pdf"
target="_blank">Service of Thanksgiving to mark the 70th Anniversary of VE Day</a></p>
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