Clergy are being advised not to share the chalice and to encourage worshippers not to shake hands during the ‘Sign of the Peace’ in services, as part of updated guidance on coronavirus issued by the Church of England.

The Church of England has published new advice to help parish churches and cathedrals prepare to reopen their buildings for public worship after more than three months of lockdown because of the coronavirus.

Guidance on weddings and baptisms during the current period of restrictions on public gatherings to combat coronavirus has been updated by the Church of England.

The House of Bishops today discussed a range of issues around Coronavirus (COVID-19) and approved further advice on funerals, the celebration of Holy Communion and ordinations. 

The Church of England’s Mission and Public Affairs division has published advice to parishes on practical steps to reduce the risk of infection from Coronavirus (COVID-19).

The Church of England has announced today a new set of resources outlining the support available for those in ordained ministry, and those training for ordination, who become parents.

Safeguarding resources, for use in churches across the country, including Bible readings, prayers and suggested hymns, chosen in consultation with survivors, have been published today

The Church of England’s Ethical Investment Advisory Group (“EIAG”) has today published advice to the National Investing Bodies (NIBs) to guide their approach to international human rights norms. The EIAG advises robust human rights due diligence across supply chains, and that the NIBs continue to ensure that human rights are respected by the companies in which they invest. The NIBs have published a new stand-alone Human Rights policy in line with this guidance.

The Church of England has published today new House of Bishops’ guidance on reporting safeguarding and other Serious Incidents to the Charity Commission. This is the first time the Church of England has produced Charity Commission approved guidance.

Safe Spaces, the free, independent national support service for victims and survivors of church-related abuse, have produced new posters for churches to signpost to their free confidential helpline.