We welcome the government’s decision not to close churches or ban communal worship during the English lockdown announced on Monday evening by the Prime Minister.
There can be no doubt that the legal challenge and pursuit of a judicial review by 122 church leaders has helped the government understand the crucial importance of church independence.
Never in our history before have our churches been forced to close – not during wars, plagues or famines. Instead churches have always been places of respite and hope.
In England, the decision on whether to hold public worship is now in the hands of church leaders, which we have campaigned for since last March. However, the Scottish government has once again criminalised gathered worship. We are considering whether to take any further legal action to challenge this in addition to the existing judicial review case.
Churches throughout the UK have demonstrated their responsibility – and indeed their safety – throughout the pandemic. It is right that church leaders continue to be trusted to decide if and how to meet, given their local circumstances and the needs of their members.
We ask you to pray for and support all church leaders and their congregations in crucial the days, weeks and months ahead. May they be given wisdom and courage to responsibly honour and worship God and love their neighbours at this challenging time.