Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Christmas Services: Covid-19

Thursday 26 November 2020 · 4 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 2 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Church of England places of worship can reopen for public worship from 2 December.
  • Clergy have made their buildings covid-secure and many churches plan to have multiple services to accommodate more people.
  • The Church continues to work through the places of worship taskforce to advise parishes on providing critical assistance locally.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Jacob Young
Religion & Faith
Context

The MP is concerned about the impact of the pandemic on religious celebrations.

Question

What steps the Church of England is taking to help ensure that people can safely celebrate Advent and Christmas during the covid-19 outbreak?

Answer from Andrew Selous

From 2 December, places of worship can reopen for public worship. Clergy have made their buildings covid-secure and many churches plan to have multiple services to accommodate more people as fewer are allowed in each service. Indoor singing is limited but outdoor and door-to-door singing is permitted, along with nativity plays for under-18s.

Answered
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Q2 Luke Evans Con Hinckley and Bosworth
Religion & Faith
Context

The MP acknowledges the additional support provided by churches beyond regular services.

Question

I am grateful for my hon. Friend's comments on services, but at Christmas time, the Church does a lot more—it provides support for our communities through financial advice, fuel and food poverty advice and, of course, the social support that is at the heart of it all. With that in mind, what discussions has he had with local and national Government and the Churches to ensure that they can continue to provide that support in a covid-secure way at Christmas?

Answer from Andrew Selous

The Church continues to work through the places of worship taskforce to advise parishes on how to continue providing critical assistance locally. For example, St Peter's in Market Bosworth is supporting the local women's refuge with food and toiletries.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific discussions or commitments are not mentioned

How: Working With Partners

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Q3 Neil Hudson Con Epping Forest
Religion & Faith
Context

The MP acknowledges the significant efforts of churches during the pandemic.

Question

I thank my hon. Friend for his answer. Once again, churches have done amazingly through this pandemic, continuing with outreach to their communities. I pay tribute to the churches in Penrith and The Border and across the country that enabled remembrance ceremonies to go ahead this year in challenging circumstances. Does he agree that, as churches look to reopen for worship and other activities in the months ahead, targeted Government financial support for them would be a great way to ensure that their vital community work and support can carry on?

Answer from Andrew Selous

The National Churches Trust estimates the economic value of social action at £12.4 billion. The Government has supported 227 churches and cathedrals with the culture recovery fund.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No mention of targeted financial support for churches

How: Provided By

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Q4 Jacob Young
Religion & Faith
Context

The MP acknowledges the efforts of local churches to ensure low risk of transmission.

Question

I thank my hon. Friend for his answer. Churches in Redcar and Cleveland, such as St Mark's in Marske and St Cuthbert's in Ormesby, have gone above and beyond to ensure that the risk of transmission in churches is low. They are a place for people of all faiths and none to find peace in what has been an incredibly difficult eight months. Unfortunately, Advent Sunday this year will fall inside the lockdown, but I am grateful that the Government have said that churches can reopen for the rest of Advent from 2 December. What message does the Church Commissioner have for those churches in Redcar and Cleveland in the approach to Christmas?

Answer from Andrew Selous

The closure of churches is not something that any of us ever wants to see again. My hon. Friend's constituents will follow the advice of the Archbishop of Canterbury: to come to church in person or virtually and to spend time with their wider families in a safe and responsible way.

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