With the announcement by the Government that from 14 September 2020 social gatherings would be limited to six people, churches have been concerned that this will force them to close again, just two months after they were permitted to reopen for worship. However, gatherings for worship in places of worship are included in the exceptions to the six-person rule. The Government guidance issued on 9 September 2020 sets out:
“Places of worship can stay open for services for more than six people. However individual groups of more than one household or support bubble must not exceed six people. You should limit your social interaction in these venues to the group you are attending with. Strict adherence to social distancing is strongly advised and a distance of two metres (or one metre with additional Covid-19 Secure measures in place) should be kept from people you do not live with wherever possible.”
Church Growth Trust previously produced a briefing paper to help churches wanting to start worshipping again in their buildings and this has been updated to take account of recent changes (last updated on 14 August 2020). It can be found here.
