In a discussion led by the Bishop of London, Dame Sarah Mullally, who chairs a group examining how the Church of England might proceed once the current restrictions for COVID-19 are relaxed or lifted, the House of Bishops recognised that there have been some welcome signs of improvement in the current situation, including a reduction in new cases and hospital admissions giving evidence for hope.While church buildings remain closed for public worship, in line with Government advice, the Bishops agreed in principle to a phased approach to lifting restrictions, in time and in parallel with the Government’s approach, with three broad stages as infection levels improve: An initial immediate phase allowing very limited access to church buildings for activities such as streaming of services or private prayer by clergy in their own parishes, so long as the necessary hygiene and social distancing precautions are taken Subsequently access for some rites and ceremonies when allowed by law, observing appropriate physical distancing and hygiene precautions Worship services with limited congregations meeting, when Government restrictions are eased to allow this.Read the full story.
Children and young people are normally seen by lots of different adults every day, like neighbours, grandparents and teachers. But due to coronavirus (COVID-19) we're self-isolating, social distancing and spending much more time at home. This means some families might need extra support with parenting. And if a child is experiencing abuse, there aren't as many opportunities for adults to spot the signs and help. <a href="https://www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/reporting-abuse/coronavirus-abuse-neglect-vulnerable-children/">There are help suggestions on their web site</a>.<br>
Church of England launches free dial-in worship phone lineThe Archbishop of Canterbury has launched Daily Hope, which includes music, prayers, reflections and full worship services at the end of a telephone line. It is available 24 hours a day on 0800 804 8044 and has been set up to reach people unable to join online church services. Churches are being asked to publicise it to people they know who aren't on the internet.
Getting in Touch with Patients in the Royal Devon & Exeter HospitalThe Chaplaincy Team are very aware that, with visiting restrictions, it is much harder to get messages of love and prayer through to friends and parishioners in hospital. They are trying to find ways to make this possible across the hospital sites of Exeter, Tiverton, Sidmouth & Exmouth. Please leave a message on 01392 402024 and one of the Chaplaincy team will aim to write this message onto a card and deliver it to the patient. Simply say your name and contact number, the full name of the patient (and the ward they are on, if you know) and any simple message you wish to be written in the card. Alternatively you can contact hospital radio and pass on a message via them which is broadcast.
