With churches now beginning the process of reopening initially for individual private prayer and funerals, church weddings however are still not permitted at present - under the Government’s restrictions to prevent the spread of 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.

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’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 House of Bishops COVID-19 recovery group has shared draft guidelines for when funerals, weddings, baptisms and individual private prayer can recommence in church buildings.

The House of Bishops met via Zoom this afternoon, as it has done regularly throughout the current pandemic

The House of Bishops has welcomed and commended the decision of the Government to open places of worship for public worship from 4 July at a virtual meeting held on June 24th. 

Key insights from an ongoing Church of England research programme into clergy flourishing are to be distributed to curates across the country as part of an initiative to promote clergy wellbeing, it was announced today.

Stipendiary clergy, along with some retired and self-supporting ministers, are being encouraged to take part in a confidential listening exercise designed to help inform a review of the clergy remuneration package.

Churches and clergy across the country are being invited to take part in discussion about a new partnership aimed at improving the care and wellbeing of ministers, in a ‘Big Conversation’ launched today.