England's congregations can sing together again - but only outdoors

 (Photo: Unsplash/Tyler Callahan)

The rules around congregational have been relaxed as of Palm Sunday to allow churches to sing together outside.

The changes have come into effect as the Government moves to ease lockdown restrictions, with gatherings of up to six people or two full households in parks and back gardens permitted from Monday.

Guidance on churches has been changed on the Government website to state that congregations can sing together in the grounds of the church and with social distancing in place. 

"When communal worship takes place outdoors, the congregation may join in with singing, and should follow the principles set out in the performing arts guidance," the guidance reads.

"This includes ensuring that congregation members follow social distancing rules. Social contact limits apply, meaning that households, support bubbles or groups of 2 must not mingle.

"Communal singing in other public open spaces should not take place."

For now, singing indoors is restricted to "a single small group of singers" who are "allowed to perform, or rehearse for performance, only where essential to an act of communal worship".

"This should be limited to as few singers as possible, with social distancing being maintained at all times. Communal singing should not take place."

Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick tweeted that he was "pleased to have clarified guidance on choirs ahead of Easter services".

Christian MP Sir Edward Leigh thanked the Government "for listening and updating the guidance to clarify that choirs will be able to sing at Easter".

"This is the most important festival of the Christian year and many are looking forward to joining in communal worship with choirs." 

The Bishop of London, Sarah Mullally, also expressed thanks for the "clarity" on singing as Christians mark Holy Week and Easter.

"This will allow churches and cathedrals to plan their worship to help online and in-person congregations to mark the journey of the passion and resurrection – a journey of hope, while making local arrangements to ensure transmission risk is minimised," she said.

News
President Trump's Arctic love affair
President Trump's Arctic love affair

Surely an ally should not be presented with a take it or leave it poke in the eye?

Bradford Cathedral to host launch of 2025 Cathedrals Cycle Relay in UK City of Culture Year
Bradford Cathedral to host launch of 2025 Cathedrals Cycle Relay in UK City of Culture Year

The third national Cathedrals Cycle Relay (CCR) is set to launch on 24 May 2025 from Bradford Cathedral, coinciding with Bradford’s year as the UK City of Culture.

Megachurch pastor criticises Disney's ‘Snow White’ remake for abandoning biblical themes
Megachurch pastor criticises Disney's ‘Snow White’ remake for abandoning biblical themes

Harvest pastor Greg Laurie has criticised Disney’s live-action remake of ‘Snow White’ for stripping away what he sees as its original gospel-centred message. 

US warns UK over free speech, citing pro-lifer's prosecution
US warns UK over free speech, citing pro-lifer's prosecution

The US state department has issued a statement saying it is "concerned about freedom of expression in the United Kingdom" and that it is "monitoring" the case of a pro-life woman prosecuted for holding a sign offering help within an abortion clinic "buffer zone".