The Catholic Bishops of England and Wales have updated and relaxed rules for worship according to new Government guidelines. The following sets out the principles for the new guidance; the link leads to the full document.
The vaccine programme has had a major impact in reducing death and serious illness from infection
with Covid-19. The Church in England and Wales supports the vaccination programme and
encourages people to be vaccinated.
The scientific consensus is that society is moving towards the stage where the virus is transitioning
from the pandemic phase to the endemic phase, but as stated by HM Government, there is still a risk
associated with gathering for sustained periods in enclosed spaces and therefore there needs to be
continued caution by all against infection.
This, however, has to be balanced against the need to move forward safely towards a normal lifestyle
and these two positions will always be held in tension. This holding in tension is the key to living
safely with Covid-19, namely keeping infections from a virus that cannot be eliminated to levels
which minimise disruption to people’s lives.
This guidance has been written with this principle in mind.
Alongside the positive effects of covid vaccination, it should be stressed that any people displaying
symptoms of Covid-19 should stay at home and not participate in acts of worship in church.
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