As I mentioned in my last email to clergy, I believe it would be a good idea, at this stage, to review your arrangements, given the apparent increased danger of transmission of the virus and the vulnerability of your congregation, those who assist you and possibly yourselves.  You can use your discretion as to whether, taking into account the availability of stewards, cleaners etc. or simply for pastoral reasons, you wish to continue with the existing level of Mass provision or whether you wish to revise the number of Masses or, indeed, close the church.  As was the case in the first lockdown, do not feel pressured to do anything that you feel will put you or anyone else at risk.  Although priests can open their churches they are not obliged to do so.  Your congregation can be reminded that the Sunday obligation remains suspended and that live-stream Masses are widely available.  Should you decide that the wisest course of action would be to close the church I would be grateful if you could inform me, giving your reasons, in order that I may be able to deal with any enquires that come my way.

 The meeting of the Task Force also considered the question of vaccines, requesting us to support the roll-out.  In addition there are some further clarifications giving updated guidance for places of worship and music, which I set out below. 

Vaccines and their roll-out in the Community

1. All faith communities were asked to encourage and support the roll-out of the vaccines.
2. There should be explicit encouragement of community members to take up the offer of vaccines whenever it is offered to an individual.  Evidence across the country is showing that there is “vaccination hesitancy” amongst certain groups of people, in particular the BAME community, because of misinformation on social media.  There was strong encouragement from HMG to counteract this strongly.
3. In our case, the fact that Pope Francis will be vaccinated next week should be stressed along with his own personal endorsement for vaccination.  See https://www.rt.com/news/512030-pope-francis-covid19-vaccine/
4. There was a request for volunteer support in areas with vaccination hubs/centres and this should be done through the local health commissioning groups.  There are lots of different roles that are necessary such as stewarding, as well as a request for former healthcare workers to assist in the inoculation programme.
5. HMG published the Vaccination roll-out plan today.  It is found here:  https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/951284/UK_COVID-19_vaccines_delivery_plan.pdf
6. We raised the issue of vaccination for hospital chaplains and care home chaplains, as well as clergy in general, and this will be followed up by email.

Updated Guidance for Places of Worship

The MHCLG has updated the Places of Worship Guidance on 11^th January which can be found here:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-guidance-for-the-safe-use-of-places-of-worship-during-the-pandemic-from-4-july/covid-19-guidance-for-the-safe-use-of-places-of-worship-from-2-december

The general approach of the guidance is an extension of the previous rules in place under Tier 4 in December.  However, it has been amended to reflect the new national restrictions. These restrictions:

·               require people to stay at home, except for specific purposes;

·               prevent people gathering with those they do not live with, except for specific purposes; and,

·               close certain businesses.