Diocese of Chichester

There has been plenty of coverage of the latest raft of government announcements which will come into effect from 4th July.

This includes, of course, the ability for places of worship to once again re-open subject to protocols as advised by parent faiths [the advice is of course for all faith groups] or denominations [ as far as Christian churches are concerned] combined with broader government advice.

The Bishop has attended a meeting of the House of Bishops by Zoom this week and is currently working on an Ad Clerum which will be sent out during the first part of next week.

Bishop Martin has been keen to stress throughout that there is no pressure for local parishes to respond within any specific given timeline and that churches should only restore normal services when they are ready and, more importantly, when it is safe to do so.

Please keep an eye on the Church of England latest advice here:

https://www.churchofengland.org/more/media-centre/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance-churches

Here is a link to the copy of a statement from the Bishop of London on behalf of the bishops welcoming the news.

https://www.churchofengland.org/more/media-centre/news/reopening-church-buildings-public-worship

Please watch out for more details next week.

In the meantime thank you to all those in the Diocese who have worked tirelessly where possible to re-open their buildings for private prayer and quiet reflection.