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.

A statement from the Bishop of London following the Government announcement that church buildings will be able to reopen for public worship from 4th July

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.

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 Church Commissioners has announced it will support England’s cathedral choirs with up to £1 million available to ease the impact of COVID-19.

More than £10m in grants have been awarded to 66 churches and cathedrals across the country. 

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 events of the past weeks in response to the tragic death of George Floyd have brought into focus the question of monuments to individuals who have participated in systemic and targeted discrimination or exploitation based on race.

The House of Bishops met via Zoom this afternoon and continued to review advice to clergy on the Church’s efforts to limit the spread of the coronavirus, to protect the vulnerable and health services.

Nearly 100 churches and cathedrals will benefit from a total of £13 million of Government investment, as recipients of Heritage Stimulus Grants were announced by the Church of England today.