Discussing the Government’s four-stage plan, The Bishop of London, Sarah Mullally, who leads the Church of England’s Recovery Group, said:

“We understand the frustration that many feel at the limitations in current Government guidance at this stage and share the longing for amateur choirs and indeed congregations to be able to sing without restrictions.

“During the Covid-19 pandemic we have worked with the Government to try to ensure that guidance for churches and places of worship was proportionate, and informed by a detailed understanding of our environments and practices. All along, we have encouraged the Government to be alert to the consequences of our choirs’ continued silence as well as the loss of congregational singing.

“We are reminding the Government of the importance we place on singing to lift our prayers to God, and look ahead to step four and the enabling of the singing of choirs and congregations to fill our churches and cathedrals once more.”