Thank you for contacting me about churches and the second national lockdown in England.

I understand the concerns that you have about churches closing and I totally agree with you that they should open again as soon as possible.  It is with very great sadness that we see churches closing for communal prayer and for the sacrament of marriage.  They will, however, remain open for funerals, broadcast of services, individual prayer, formal childcare, for essential voluntary and public services and certain exempted support group activities.

The rapid spread of Covid-19 across the country has led the Government to take action and Ministers have given assurances that this lockdown will not be for a day longer than is necessary.

I share your interest in hearing the evidence base for the closure of churches. Certainly, I know that many churches have gone to great lengths to protect their congregations from Covid-19 with social distancing, face masks and hygiene measures. 

To forgo communal worship in church is a sacrifice, but there will come a time, soon, when we can all worship together again.

Thank you for taking the time to contact me.