We are not stopping church, we are not closing anything, we ARE saying ‘church is changing’.
The Bishop of Salisbury, the Rt Revd Nicholas Holtam has written to clergy and churches in the Diocese in light of the latest guidance that all public worship should be suspended.
Bishop Nicholas said:
"The headlines is that public worship will have to stop for the time being.”
Church is changing. “Our usual pattern of Sunday services and other midweek gatherings must be put on hold. This is with immediate effect.
“Our Churches will remain open for prayer.”
The Bishop said:
"Buildings can stay open. We are not stopping church, we are not closing anything, we ARE saying ‘church is changing’.
Weddings and funerals can go ahead where it is possible to observe social distancing (2m) based on common sense applied locally in buildings that are usually capable of accommodating this. "
Bishop Nicholas also encouraged everyone to join in the National Day of Prayer on Sunday and place a lighted candle in their window.
“It is Mothering Sunday, so a good day to give thanks for the source of our life and care of one another. Resources are being made available for people to use at home.
"Wherever you are this Sunday please do join in this day of prayer and action and remember specially those who are sick or anxious and all involved in our Health Service.
"As one action we are calling on everyone to place a lighted candle in their window at 7.00 p.m, if it is safe to do so, as a sign of solidarity and hope in the light of Christ that can never be extinguished."
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