The Advisory Group of the Scottish Episcopal Church has issued an update on Covid regulations and restrictions in light of the spread of the Omicron variant. The main points are: The ‘distancing’ requirement for face covering exemption for service leaders or choirs has been increased from 1 m to 2 m. Churches should revisit their…
Two Covid-19 updates from Advisory Group now available
The Advisory Group of the Scottish Episcopal Church has published new guidance on the calculation and display of the Physical Distance Based Capacity (PDBC) in church buildings, as pandemic restrictions are eased. The Group has also produced an updated Frequently Asked Questions document. Both of these resources are available here. When using the index of Advisory…
‘There are acts of worship, like the Lord’s Supper, that cannot be replicated online’
Praying alone (or with others at home) and praying together online are moments of worship, even corporate worship, for the Lord Jesus is present with us, writes Rev Dr Michael Hull, Director of Studies at the Scottish Episcopal Institute. On the other hand, there are acts of worship, like the Lord’s Supper, that cannot be replicated online.
Survey shows how churches adapted to pandemic
Church leaders across Scotland have made “remarkable adaptations” during the COVID-19 pandemic to keep worship going and serve their communities in new ways, a survey has found. A new study records that 96 per cent of 369 congregational leaders spanning 27 different denominations continued with ministry and mission work despite restrictions on movement and the…
An open letter from Christian leaders concerning vaccine passports
Extract from an open letter from 1,260 clergy and lay leaders, many of them Scottish, to the Prime Minister. ‘For the Church of Jesus Christ to shut out those deemed by the state to be social undesirables would be anathema to us and a denial of the truth of the Gospel.’
Spring forward to worship at All Saints this Sunday
With the Scottish government’s anti-Covid restrictions partially lifted, Sunday morning worship resumes at All Saints at 10.30 am on Palm Sunday, March 28. But congregation members are reminded that the clocks go forward on Sunday morning.
Victory for Scottish church leaders as judge rules government acted unconstitutionally when criminalising gathered worship
‘It is not for the Scottish Ministers to “dictate … that, henceforth, or even for the duration of the pandemic, worship is to be conducted on-line. That might be an alternative to worship but it is not worship.’ ‘ It is jejune at best, misleading at worst, to state that places of worship remain open. They do not.’ ‘It is impossible to measure the effect of those restrictions on those who hold religious beliefs. It goes beyond mere loss of companionship and an inability to attend a lunch club.’
All Saints will reopen on Palm Sunday
Sunday services will resume at All Saints on March 28, Palm Sunday, following the Scottish Government’s easing of anti-Covid restrictions.
Remove Covid cap on church attendance, say Catholic bishops
Scotland’s Roman Catholic bishops have welcomed the recent announcement by the First Minister forecasting a return to churches for the most important celebration of the liturgical year at Easter. “The opening of churches is a sign that the sacrifices endured so far are bearing fruit and gives us hope and encouragement to persevere,” they said…
Judge grants judicial review into Scottish church closures during lockdown
Scottish ministers are to face a judicial review into why churches were forced to close their buildings during the current lockdown. Lord Braid has granted permission for a hearing which will take place remotely on 11 and 12 March after Scottish ministers rejected the arguments of 27 Scottish church leaders in a pre-action letter. The…
Religious leaders launch legal action against Scottish Government over Covid shutdown
Religious leaders in Scotland have started legal proceedings against the Scottish Government over the closure of churches, The Scotsman newspaper reports. Lockdown measures designed to stop the spread of coronavirus have forced the shutting of places of worship. Representatives from the Church of Scotland, the Free Church of Scotland, the Free Church of Scotland (Continuing)…
SEC not part of legal threat over church closures
The Scottish Episcopal Church has distanced itself from church leaders who have threatened legal action if the Scottish Government does not reverse its decision to close places of worship during the current phase of the Covid pandemic.
Face coverings mandatory for places of worship
The Scottish Episcopal Church reports: The First Minister announced in her daily briefing at lunchtime today that, as from tomorrow, 8 August 2020, the wearing of face coverings is to become mandatory in places of worship. This will obviously affect any church services taking place this weekend and until further notice. Since the announcement at…
At last! Sunday morning Eucharist resumes on August 2
The Eucharist will again be celebrated at All Saints from Sunday August 2, following Diocesan approval of measures to guard against Covid-19. The church doors will open at 10 am, with the service starting at 10.30. Safeguarding means that there will be several differences from the Sunday morning service we’re used to, including: • Entry…
Video guide: Our return to Church
Churches are now allowed to re-commence worship subject to conditions, such as a maximum attendance of 50 people. Detailed arrangements for All Saints will be announced in due course. This video shows some of the new procedures which will have to be followed in order to stay safe from Covid-19.
Covid-19: All Saints to reopen for individual prayer
We’re delighted to announce that the church will be open for individual prayer on Sunday mornings from July 12 as part of Phase 2 of the easing of coronavirus restrictions. The doors will be open from 11.15 am until 12.30 pm. Social distancing will be observed, with stewards on hand to ensure that those attending…
Covid-19: Church releases guidance in preparation for Phase 2 of easing lockdown
The College of Bishops and its Advisory Group have issued guidance to the Scottish Episcopal Church on how to prepare for the gradual easing of lockdown restrictions as we approach Phase 2 of the Scottish Government route map through and out of the coronavirus crisis. Three documents are being made available: Emerging from Lockdown: Phase…
Covid-19: Churches to stay closed despite Government easing restrictions
Following the announcement by the First Minister that Phase 1 of the Scottish Government’s route map will take effect on 29 May, the College of Bishops has confirmed that the minor easing of lockdown restrictions permitted under Phase 1 does not result in any change to existing guidance previously issued by the College of Bishops…
How Storehouse is coping with Covid-19
Food bank organisers appeal for financial aid as its activities and contributions are hit hard by Covid-19 measures.
Bishops begin planning for reopening churches
The message from the Scottish Government remains ‘stay at home’ and our church buildings remain closed to protect the vulnerable, but thinking is underway to address how the Scottish Episcopal Church will respond to the eventual easing of restrictions on movement. The First Minister announced last week that lockdown measures to prevent the spread of…
‘Digital era is here but don’t forget the Prayer Book’
Rev Dr Michael Hull, Director of the Studies at the Scottish Episcopal Institute, reminds us in the reflection below that the printed page can still “bridge our physical distances in a way different from the internet”. The Covid-19 pandemic challenges Christians like no other crisis in living memory in terms of liturgy, writes Dr Hull….
Church leaders united in response to Covid-19 pandemic
In an unprecedented move, Church leaders came together on Wednesday 1st April 2020. The morning video conference included senior religious leaders from around Britain and Ireland who shared the situation in each of their jurisdictions. The initiative originated with Archbishop Justin Welby who wanted to offer an opportunity for leaders to hear and support one…
Commentary: Death holds no horrors
In my notes for the magazine for February I commented that we were living in a lull and while I felt that something was coming, I had no idea what it would be, writes Rev Sydney Maitland. Now we know – at least in part. Whereas war is violent, noisy and dramatic, this Covid-19 is…
Covid-19 arrangements: a message to the congregation
The spread of Coronavirus has quickly taken its toll on our ability to worship together in Woodend Drive, writes Rev Sydney Maitland. On Tuesday March 17 our College of Bishops followed Scottish Government advice and declared that ‘church services should cease’. Church buildings could, however, be kept open as a place for people to come…
Scottish Christians asked to join in prayer every Sunday at 7 pm
The Scottish Episcopal Church is joining church groups across Scotland in asking Christians to join in prayer at 7 pm on Sunday evenings. Last Sunday, thousands of Christians across the country answered the call to pray at the same time in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Following positive feedback from last week’s prayer initiative, a…
Guidance on weddings, funerals, baptisms and church access
In light of the latest Government guidance over the coronavirus pandemic, and the number of queries being fielded by Bishops and clergy seeking clarification on certain areas, the College of Bishops of the Scottish Episcopal Church today issues updated guidance on how to respond. This guidance supersedes any previous guidance on the subject areas covered…
Church buildings closed to public until further notice
Clergy may still offer prayers and worship, but congregations may not attend.
Covid-19: Episcopal Church provides virtual Sunday services
The Scottish Episcopal Church will this Sunday (22 March) begin broadcasting video coverage of Eucharistic services via its website, social media channels and YouTube channel.
