A different sort of church
Bishop of Chichester addresses his Diocese
The Archbishops of Canterbury and York are calling for Church of England churches to put public worship on hold and become a “different sort of church” in the coming months to face the challenge of Coronavirus.
Churches, however, will be able to remain open for public prayer and reflection within the constraints of the guidelines and baptisms, funerals and weddings will still be able to be held if those taking part wish them to go ahead.
The Bishop of Chichester, Dr Martin Warner, has written to all clergy and explained how the new guidelines might be put into action. This is a 'massive shift in ministerial life' requiring us all to 'dig deep into our spiritual reserves and discipline,' writes Dr Warner.
The Bishop also said that the Diocese would support a national initiative called for by the two archbishops designating Mothering Sunday (22 March) as a day of prayer and action. People are being asked to light a candle and place it in their window to show solidarity to one another and particularly with those supporting others including healthcare professionals.
Dr Warner pledged that resources will also be available from within the diocese for 'the strengthening and continuation of our spiritual and pastoral life - our apostolic witness' and gave assurance of his continued prayers and confidence 'that nothing can separate us from the love of God made known in Christ Jesus.'
Staff at Church House Hove, the diocesan offices of the Diocese of Chichester, have been working tirelessly to support parishes, clergy, laity and schools as the national situation continues to unfold.
You can read it in full here.
A further Ad Clerum issued on 19th March can be read here
Bishop Martin talks about the closures on the breakfast show of BBC radio Sussex and Surrey. Listen again here
A message from Bishop Martin to the Diocese can be seen below