No date yet for return of singing in public worship

 (Photo: Unsplash/Carolina Jacomin)

The Government is still not able to say when singing will be allowed again during public worship in churches.

The question was raised in the House of Lords this week by the Bishop of Leeds, Nick Baines, during comments on the successful rollout of the vaccine.

"Churches, clergy and chaplains have been very involved in pastoral care and in support of the dying and the bereaved, even when buildings have been closed," he said. 

He added, however, that there was now "big concern" about not being able to sing at in-person services over Holy Week and Easter. 

"Can the Minister offer a roadmap for when singing by choirs and congregations will once again be allowed, with sufficient time to prepare?" he said. 

Answering on behalf of the Government, Lord Bethell, said he was "entirely sympathetic" to the question raised by the bishop but that there was no roadmap yet for singing again in church. 

He said the Government would be following the advice of public health officials. 

"I cannot think of anything nicer than spending Easter at Salisbury Cathedral listening to the beautiful singing of the choir there. We will be led, however, by the public health practicalities on that," he said. 

"It has been one of the most heartbreaking aspects of this pandemic that those who seek sanctuary through worship have not been able to join the rest of their community, but the practicalities of the spread of the virus are unavoidable, so we will be led by public health advice in this matter.

"I do not have a date for his roadmap, I fear, but his considerations are very much understood in the department."

 

News
Danny Kruger: Britain should be 'confidently Christian'
Danny Kruger: Britain should be 'confidently Christian'

Reform MP Danny Kruger has spoken of the need for Britain to once more assert itself as a  country with a long and rich Christian Heritage.

400 girls 'missing' thanks to sex-selective abortions
400 girls 'missing' thanks to sex-selective abortions

Sex selective abortions appear to be taking place within the Indian community, data suggests.

Community pantries mark a million visits as new research highlights impact on food insecurity
Community pantries mark a million visits as new research highlights impact on food insecurity

Community pantries across the UK have recorded their one millionth visit, as new research suggests the membership-based food model is helping thousands of households reduce food insecurity, cut costs and prevent them from falling into extreme hardship.

Christmas was a mix of joy and hostility for Christians in India
Christmas was a mix of joy and hostility for Christians in India

India has witnessed a blend of joyful Christmas celebrations in many parts of the country, alongside reports of hate, hostility, and attacks on Christians this season, particularly in northern and central regions.