St Martin-in-the-Fields church in central London is to broadcast a national online service to mark the start of Advent this weekend as the nation prepares for a Christmas ‘like no other’ amid the coronavirus pandemic.

The Church of England has launched its annual Christmas film, with a message of Comfort and Joy after a year like no other.

During the Christmas period, which would ordinarily see nearly 6 million people attend church buildings, Churches, chapels and cathedrals across the country are adopting a range of measures to allow people to come together as church, either virtually or in person.

The Church of England’s Worship at Home for the fourth Sunday of Advent reflects on the experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic of those suffering from illness, bereavement and mental health setbacks.

As the latest Government guidance set out steps for reopening of church buildings for individual private prayer, and also for organ practice which is now permitted, the Church of England together with the Royal School of Church Music has encouraged the Government to be proactive in ensuring music-making can resume in church buildings, once it is safe to do so. 

The Bishop of London, Sarah Mullally, has welcomed the opportunity for people nationally to respond to an independent review on Government engagement with faith communities, which will help to shape relationships now and in the future. 

Special service of lessons and carols with participants from around the world issues challenge to stand up for 'righteousness and justice'.

UK faith leaders have called on the Government to ensure its economic recovery plan does not bypass care for the Environment

The Bishop of London, Sarah Mullally, has welcomed guidance from the Government permitting outdoor singing for places of worship in all tiers in England from 2nd December.  

The Archbishop of Canterbury will call for “a resurrection of our common life,” during his Easter Sunday sermon.