Church services

Allow churches to reopen that can say they have a small congregation. If funerals of twenty are allowed so should worship be allowed.

Why the contribution is important

The well-being of the nation.

by EBell on May 05, 2020 at 03:32PM

Current Rating

Average rating: 3.9
Based on: 37 votes

Comments

  • Posted by triumphherald May 05, 2020 at 15:41

    Numbers attending could be restricted according to the space available.

  • Posted by Whisk3y May 05, 2020 at 15:45

    I think unless churches can maintain social distancing and 2m seperation between groups they shouldn't open

  • Posted by Cowden May 05, 2020 at 15:52

    no gatherings of any type should currently be thought of, if people want to pray let them do it in the safety of their own homes, do they have to be in a church before their god hears them?

  • Posted by Stephen May 05, 2020 at 16:11

    If places for food and spirits for the body are sold can be open, why not food for the soul? Man shall not live by bread alone but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God. Communion taken biblically, is also for healing and so is praying over the sick, laying of hands to heal the sick etc. Fellowship of the believers and prayers are more than important at this time. Even medical professionals rely on prayer power and support now probably more than ever...

  • Posted by bank65 May 05, 2020 at 16:47

    Open churches with strict physical distancing as risk would be no greater than current experience in supermarkets.

  • Posted by DrSaraParvis May 05, 2020 at 16:54

    Many people have been thinking about this from the wrong angle. It's not a question of 'Is religion essential to some people?' (obviously it is), but 'Do religious leaders think it is ethical to put the lives of their parishioners/worshippers at risk?' which obviously it isn't. Religious services, particularly those which include singing, are among the most high-risk activities there are, as far as transmission of infectious diseases is concerned, unless you change their nature completely, and make them not a gathering but a series of individuals in their own bubbles. Many Christian congregations in particular have disproportionally high numbers of people at risk (because they are 65+ or compromised for other reasons). Do we risk their lives by encouraging them to come to Church before the virus is successfully suppressed? Do we just tell those over 65 and those who live with them not to attend, and make them feel excluded, while everyone else is welcome? Or do we find other ways of gathering?

  • Posted by MrsC May 05, 2020 at 16:59

    I don’t believe that churches would successfully be able to enforce the strict social distancing required. Also, communion etc would not be allowed to be given out so we would not be doing anything more than we are currently, watching live streamed services from home. Many congregations are made up of a majority of elderly who are at particular risk. I am a faithful church goer but feel it is way too early to allow services to resume.

  • Posted by Sus81 May 05, 2020 at 17:28

    Although I agree some are struggling without regular church gatherings, I truly believe for the health and wellbeing of the congregation we cant possibly consider any kind of mass gathering.
    Could we look at opening the churches for silent prayer at certain times with strict rules in place?

  • Posted by Penchrystona May 05, 2020 at 23:03

     Whilst the majority of people in this country don’t attend church regularly for those of us that do it is very important.

    Church online has been very useful but is a shadow of meeting together.

    On cruise ships prior to boarding and going into a restaurant crew members stand with containers of hand gel. It is very simple to adopt this approach at the entry to church buildings.

    It would be possible for churches to meet and maintain social distancing (many churches no longer have fixed pews) by placing the seating apart. Yes communion may not be possible and singing may not be possible but there is an opportunity to be able to worship together in the same place.

  • Posted by ChristianBeliever May 06, 2020 at 12:52

    Churches should be able to meet whilst adopting precautions.

    1. Handcleaning gel should be available at the door.
    2. Seating should be spread out to maintain social distancing, even if this means churches have to move to multiple services.
    3. For now, communion can be delayed, unless a way can be found to do so safely.
    4. Singing should be out of doors or with face masks. Any outdoors singing should be with minimal instruments, and confined to the hours 0900-2000, to minimise disruption for neighbours.
    5. Only those wearing face masks can preach / pray publicly / etc.
    6. Passing a collection plate/bag should not be allowed. Collection boxes may be practical but would require caution in handling the donations.

    These are just a few ideas, other restrictions may also be necessary / advisable.

    The lockdown is damaging to social cohesion and to the spiritual and mental health of some, and the chance to see loved friends again is important.

    Though churches may require greater precautions than some other institutions / businesses, especially if there are aging members of the congregation, it is the aging people of society who are suffering the most loneliness through the lockdown. They are not always able to adjust to social media / online church services, and with reasonable precautions it should be possible to open this up.

  • Posted by MichaelG May 06, 2020 at 13:47

    Churches and other religious organisations should be permitted so long as they take adequate precautions. For example, they could provide hand sanitiser at the doors and limit the number of people who come based on available space to maintain social distancing and spread out the seats. Where outdoor space is available they could also meet outdoors when the weather is good.

  • Posted by JCSGleason May 06, 2020 at 13:54

    We attend a small church. While we have currently moved online, not everyone is tech savvy enough to figure out how to join the virtual meetings. If we were to start meeting in person again, the situation would not be physically much different from going to a shop, and then the folks who have been left out would be able to participate again.

    Humans are physical as well as mental, and the wellbeing of both elements is connected. We may not be wise to hug each other or sing (except perhaps outside), but being able to see others that you care about should be allowed because of the benefits to everyone's wellbeing.

  • Posted by benjaminshore May 06, 2020 at 16:42

    Our church is diligently doing ministry online (zoom, facebook, etc.) However, we have older believers in our congregation, as well as teens, and children who don't have the ability to join our services online. Their spiritual needs are being neglected. It's also easier for everyone in our community who is seeking help, to find us at our church location.
    If it is not safe to allow a FULL re-opening of churches for social distancing purposes, would you consider a partial re-opening? Churches could do multiple services with smaller groups, or have a rotation of people allowed to come to each service. We could also follow reasonable standards for cleaning the church facilities. We understand that some restrictions may need to be in place. However, we believe it is vital that churches be reopened.
    It is very important that our communities have their spiritual needs met. Please make church a priority when lifting the lockdown bans.

  • Posted by randomchaos May 06, 2020 at 20:46

    Of course, not everyone is interested in going to church, but our government must acknowledge that it is very important to many people. There are several ways in which churches can meet in a safe, responsible manner. Having multiple services, for example, where smaller groups of people can be ministered to is one option. Having designated seating areas, to maintain proper social distancing is another. The freedom to assemble and worship God is a fundamental right for all free people.

  • Posted by Elena May 06, 2020 at 22:33

    Even while gatherings are restricted, having Churches open for private prayer could at least be done. Prayer, worship and physically being at Church are so important to me and to many others. Before the lockdown my local parish was open during the day for private prayer and when I went in daily I was often the only one or one of two or three people there for the time I was there to pray. If we take it in turns like that, and social distance and disinfect where we sat before we leave.. it should be doable with almost no risk at all.

  • Posted by KaSh May 07, 2020 at 08:51

    Allowing people to gather with social distancing in place, pray, sing, and listen to God's word should be a priority to get back into place. There is much less contact in this type of situation than all the grocery shopping, etc.
    We are willing to follow any guidelines laid out for gathering.

  • Posted by Shels May 07, 2020 at 08:54

    One of the purposes of the church is to ease distress and provide stability for those who are suffering from the affects of this recent crisis. Mental and spiritual health are an essential to physical health. Ignoring this has been a serious oversight and the consequences have already had devastating and long lasting effects. Allow churches to open, with safety protocol in place, as soon as possible please.

  • Posted by JoysieJ May 07, 2020 at 20:06

    I agree that people should be allowed to go to their place of worship. The minsters can bring comfort to their flock and the lonely would benefit from this.

  • Posted by kpm321 May 10, 2020 at 17:05

    I agree. Social distancing would be easy to implement in most church buildings.
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