The 'rule of 6'

The Bishop of London, Sarah Mullally, who chairs the Church of England’s recovery group, said:

“I welcome confirmation from the Prime Minister that places of worship can still hold more than 6 people in total, despite the new restrictions on gatherings, and the reassurance that public worship can continue.

"We will continue to work with the Government on specific areas relating to our churches and church-based activities.”

What do the latest Covid-19 restrictions mean for parishes and benefices?

From Monday 14th September:

• Places of worship are Covid-secure venues so they are exempt from the 6 people limit for services of public worship and private prayer
• However groups inside church should not be more than 6, groups should not combine and there must be social distancing between groups.
• Covid-secure weddings, funerals and other stand alone services can go ahead up to a limit of 30 people.

But, as ever, there is a lot of detail still to emerge. National Church colleagues are working hard with government departments and Public Health England to ascertain the detailed information parishes need, such as groups in other church settings, home groups, PCCs or APCMs.

Aside from ensuring the rule of 6 inside church buildings, please continue with current guidance. We will share new guidance in a Covid-19 update as soon as it's available.