Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Public Worship and Singing in Church

Thursday 22 July 2021 · 2 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The Church of England published guidance to assist clergy and parochial church councils in decision making regarding singing and public worship at step 4 of the covid-19 roadmap.
  • Caroline Ansell expressed anticipation for people to sing in church again after nearly a year of restrictions.
  • The response noted that clergy will make decisions based on the unique circumstances of each parish, acknowledging the diverse needs and conditions.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Caroline Ansell Con
Religion & Faith
Context

The Church of England has moved to step 4 of the covid-19 road map, changing restrictions on church activities.

Question

What guidance is the Church of England providing on (a) singing in church and (b) public worship following the move to step 4 of the covid-19 road map on 19 July 2021?

Answer from Andrew Selous

The Church has published fresh guidance to help clergy and parochial church councils in their decision making, recognising that the circumstances in each parish may differ for space, age and demographic reasons.

Partly answered

How: Recognising That The Circumstances In Each Parish May Differ For Space, Age And Demographic Reasons

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Q2 Caroline Ansell Con
Mental Health Religion & Faith
Context

Churches have been unable to sing for nearly a year due to covid-19 restrictions. There are physical and mental benefits associated with singing.

Question

It has been nearly a year since people in churches could lift their voices in song, and this Sunday there will be joy. But for some church leaders, some concern seems to remain, despite the very well established and known physical and mental benefits associated with singing. Does my hon. Friend agree that those benefits should be very much in the hearts and minds of decision makers as they look at how to progress this summer?

Answer from Andrew Selous

Just like my hon. Friend, I am very much looking forward to being able to sing in church again—and if it stopped raining or being a heatwave, we could even worship outside. Clergy will want to do what is right in their own churches and cathedrals, recognising that we are many members within one body and are called to be responsible to and for one another.

How: If It Stopped Raining Or Being A Heatwave, Clergy Will Want To Do What Is Right In Their Own Churches And Cathedrals

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