Worship phone line launched to reach older Christians

Many older people do not have access to the internet. Pixabay

A free worship phone line has been launched by the Church of England during the coronavirus lockdown. 

It is part of a number of resources provided by the Church of England to support Christians in their worship at home while church buildings remain closed. 

The phone line is available 24 hours a day on 0800 804 8044 and has been set up particularly for those who are unable to join online services. 

The coronavirus lockdown has forced churches across the country to move their services online, but there are still many people, especially older people, who do not have internet access at home. 

It is hoped that the phone line will help to ease feelings of loneliness as a result of social distancing and self-isolation measures. 

Callers to the line will be welcomed by a special greeting from the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, before being able to choose from a range of options, including hymns, prayers, reflections and advice on Covid-19.

The selection of hymns is updated daily.  Another option entitled 'Hymns We Love' offers a hymn and reflection, and is based on an initiative by the Connections group at Holy Trinity Claygate, in Surrey, which is partnering with the Church of England on the service. 

The Archbishop said: "With many in our country on lockdown, it's important that we support those who are feeling lonely and isolated, whatever age they are.

"The Daily Hope service will allow people to hear hymns, prayers and words that offer comfort and hope, especially in this Easter season.

"I want to urge people to spread the news about this service. If there is someone you know who is particularly struggling, give them a call and let them know about the Daily Hope. I'm going to phone a friend; will you join me?"

Carl Knightly, chief executive of Faith in Later Life, another partner of the phone line, added: "The Church must be those who offer hope to our nation at this time, and I am delighted that Faith in Later Life is able to be part of this project.

"We know as an organisation of the challenges for older people in our society in normal times and these are not those, so I want to add our voice to that of the Archbishop and get people sharing this number with whoever they know who would most benefit."

News
On striving for destiny
On striving for destiny

Hebrew scholar and Jewish academic Irene Lancaster reflects on Numbers, leadership and destiny. 

Divorce at 50-year low despite liberalising reforms
Divorce at 50-year low despite liberalising reforms

The Marriage Foundation has welcomed figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), saying they show that marriages are the strongest they have been for 50 years.

Pope Leo XIV calls for global solidarity with Eastern Churches amid conflict and crisis
Pope Leo XIV calls for global solidarity with Eastern Churches amid conflict and crisis

“How can we think that we are laying the foundations of the future apart from cooperation and a global vision inspired by the common good?"

British media preoccupied with Catholic Church - report
British media preoccupied with Catholic Church - report

A study into media coverage of Christianity in Britain has showed that coverage is more likely to take a negative tone towards the faith and is arguably biased towards coverage of the Roman Catholic Church.