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Coronavirus: How will places of worship reopen? Coronavirus: What are the changes to places of worship?
(3 days later)
Places of worship in England will be able to reopen for services from 4 July, for the first time since lockdown began. Places of worship in England have reopened for services for the first time since lockdown began.
Worshippers of all religions are likely to notice changes to the usual practices.Worshippers of all religions are likely to notice changes to the usual practices.
What has the government said?What has the government said?
The guidance says gatherings of more than 30 people will be allowed for acts of communal worship in churches, synagogues, mosques, temples and meeting rooms in England. The guidance says gatherings of more than 30 people are now allowed for acts of communal worship in churches, synagogues, mosques, temples and meeting rooms in England.
Everyone attending the service should stick to social distancing guidelines. In other words, they should keep at least 1m (3ft) - and ideally 2m (6ft) if possible - away from anyone not from their own household or support bubble.Everyone attending the service should stick to social distancing guidelines. In other words, they should keep at least 1m (3ft) - and ideally 2m (6ft) if possible - away from anyone not from their own household or support bubble.
A risk assessment will have to be carried out at each place of worship. This will also determine the number of people allowed to take part in a service.A risk assessment will have to be carried out at each place of worship. This will also determine the number of people allowed to take part in a service.
But no more than 30 people will be allowed to attend weddings, funerals and other "life cycle events" such as bar mitzvahs or baptisms.But no more than 30 people will be allowed to attend weddings, funerals and other "life cycle events" such as bar mitzvahs or baptisms.
What else has changed?What else has changed?
The decision to reopen places of worship has been broadly welcomed by religious leaders, although they are approaching it with different degrees of caution.The decision to reopen places of worship has been broadly welcomed by religious leaders, although they are approaching it with different degrees of caution.
Anglican churchesAnglican churches
The Bishop of London, Rev Sarah Mullally, who has been in charge of the Church of England's plans for resuming services, said: "We will not be returning to normality overnight."The Bishop of London, Rev Sarah Mullally, who has been in charge of the Church of England's plans for resuming services, said: "We will not be returning to normality overnight."
The Church of England says it will continue online services for those who still cannot attend services.The Church of England says it will continue online services for those who still cannot attend services.
There are also restrictions on the giving and receiving of Holy Communion:There are also restrictions on the giving and receiving of Holy Communion:
Among other restrictions, worshippers will not shake hands during the Sign of Peace.Among other restrictions, worshippers will not shake hands during the Sign of Peace.
Roman Catholic churchesRoman Catholic churches
The Roman Catholic Church's rituals are similar in many ways to the Church of England, and its guidelines are broadly the same as those outlined above.The Roman Catholic Church's rituals are similar in many ways to the Church of England, and its guidelines are broadly the same as those outlined above.
The Catholic Bishops Conference of England and Wales also says there should be no offertory procession or collection, and parishioners should be encouraged to give online instead.The Catholic Bishops Conference of England and Wales also says there should be no offertory procession or collection, and parishioners should be encouraged to give online instead.
Since the crisis began, Roman Catholics have been freed from their obligation to celebrate Mass every Sunday. Cardinal Vincent Nichols - the Church's leader in England and Wales - has said this will continue despite the changes.Since the crisis began, Roman Catholics have been freed from their obligation to celebrate Mass every Sunday. Cardinal Vincent Nichols - the Church's leader in England and Wales - has said this will continue despite the changes.
MosquesMosques
The Muslim Council of Britain (MCB) says it advises worshippers against a quick return to normal, especially since the Muslim community has been among the worst affected by coronavirus in England.The Muslim Council of Britain (MCB) says it advises worshippers against a quick return to normal, especially since the Muslim community has been among the worst affected by coronavirus in England.
"Mosques must not feel rushed into re-opening," says the MCB's secretary general, Harun Khan, "but should only take this step when they feel it is safe to do so.""Mosques must not feel rushed into re-opening," says the MCB's secretary general, Harun Khan, "but should only take this step when they feel it is safe to do so."
Its plan for safe reopening advises worshippers to wear face masks and bring their own prayer mat, Quran, and a reusable shoe bag.Its plan for safe reopening advises worshippers to wear face masks and bring their own prayer mat, Quran, and a reusable shoe bag.
Hindu templesHindu temples
The Hindu Council UK says temples will have discretion as to when they reopen.The Hindu Council UK says temples will have discretion as to when they reopen.
It has also recommended that gatherings are restricted to 30 people or fewer, and that communal singing is avoided for the time being.It has also recommended that gatherings are restricted to 30 people or fewer, and that communal singing is avoided for the time being.
SynagoguesSynagogues
Jewish reaction - both liberal and orthodox - has been cautious. Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis said reopening was not a single event "but rather a cautious, phased process" that would take place over the course of months.Jewish reaction - both liberal and orthodox - has been cautious. Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis said reopening was not a single event "but rather a cautious, phased process" that would take place over the course of months.
The United Synagogue has issued a list of practical considerations for reopening safely. This includes:The United Synagogue has issued a list of practical considerations for reopening safely. This includes:
What about the rest of the UK?What about the rest of the UK?
Places of worship in Northern Ireland have been allowed to open for communal services since 29 June.Places of worship in Northern Ireland have been allowed to open for communal services since 29 June.
There is currently no date for the resumption of services in Scotland and Wales.There is currently no date for the resumption of services in Scotland and Wales.