By Lisa Zengarini
The decision by the British Government not to close places of worship during the new National Lockdown is based on the recognition that churches in the Country are safe and that the service they offer is essential, a British Church official has explained.
Britain entered its third National Lockdown on January 5. However, this time, churches in England and Wales have been allowed to stay open for prayer and communal worship, in spite of pressures from many local authorities to close them and the Scottish Prime Minister s decision to do so. Following questions from many people about the reasons for keeping churches open, Auxiliary Bishop of Westminster John Sherrington, issued a letter on January 8 explaining the position and role of churches during the on-going crisis.
By Lisa Zengarini
Scottish bishops say there are reasons of hope as the world lives through these difficult times of pandemic and unrest, expressing solidarity with the most vulnerable.
In a Pastoral Letter titled “Light Shines in Darkness” (John 1:5), they remind, with Pope Francis, that every crisis presents opportunities and that God, through His Incarnated Son, “turns all things to good”. “We have well-founded reasons for hoping that the Pandemic has led society to a rediscovery of the dignity of every human person, especially the most vulnerable, along with a new appreciation of the goodness manifested by so many”, the Bishops say citing the recent Encyclical Letter “Fratelli tutti”.