Coronavirus (covid-19)
Last updated 30 September 2020.
This page links to various resources for Historic Places of Worship during the coronavirus pandemic. There are five sections (scroll down)
1. News of re-opening and use (England, Scotland, Wales separately)
2. News / gift aid
3. General knowledge hubs / portals
4. Advice from specific bodies, including faith groups and denominations
5. Calls for evidence, surveys, reports (including Government reports)
1. News of re-opening and use of places of worship (for other news, scroll down)
The easiest way to make sure you are reading the very latest information is to use the Law and Religion page, which is updated daily.
ENGLAND
The Church of England maintains guidance on its Coronavirus page which is for the most part generally applicable to places of worship in England. Except for the most recent changes this could usefully be your starting point – go to the bottom of the page, for documents giving guidance for different types of event.
Government
From 28 September in England weddings and wedding receptions are limited to fifteen people. Life events which are standalone are limited by the Rule of Six.
From 24 September, certain venues in England must display official NHS test and trace posters. Although places of worship being used as a place of worship are not obliged to carry such posters, they are being encouraged to; when being used for other purposes such as a cafe or tourist destination, they must carry a poster. See here for useful guidance from the Church of England.
Earlier news
Groups of six: On 10 September the Goverment published guidance which will take effect from Monday 14 September, limiting groups to a maximum of six in England. The guidance makes clear and it was immediately confirmed that the figure of six does not apply to the number attending religious services (though people should not attend in groups of more than six). Weddings, wedding receptions, funerals and religious “life-cycle events” remain limited to 30 people.
Singing: On 13 August the Goverment published guidance for the performing arts, including singing, in England. This guidance has now been incorporated into individual denominational guidance (scroll down). In essence, congregational singing is still not allowed, but performance by small groups is.
Wedding receptions: On 14 August the Governments announced that weddings of up to 30 people would become legal from 15 August in England, the government having previously retreated on this matter when Covid-19 appeared to be on the rise.
Places of worship (including masks): On 14 August revised Government guidance was published on the safe use of places of worship in England. Regarding masks, in essence congregations wear masks, those leading worship do not. Singing by small groups in front of the congregation is permissible. Musical instruments should be thoroughly cleaned before and after use though no instructions are given for this (see e.g. here).
SCOTLAND
On 25 September The Church of Scotland updated its guidance for re-opening and use of churches.
WALES
Government On 18 August the Welsh Government updated its guidance on reopening places of worship in Wales. Churches together in Wales have issued (12 August) a useful briefing note on the legal position in Wales regarding reopening places of worship.
2. News / Gift Aid
16 July The Allchurches Trust launched its Hope Beyond grant scheme, aimed at enabling churches and Christian charities to meet changing need within their communities as the longer term impact of Covid-19 becomes clearer.
30 June: The Government published advice for the safe use of multi-purpose community facilities, including village halls, in England.
Gift Aid for cash donations after re-opening, if donors combine multiple previous weeks into one gift. The Churches’ Legislation Advisory Service (CLAS) have received a helpful response from HMRC about this potential future problem which may require action in advance to explain to donors what they need to do. Details here.
3. General knowledge hubs/portals (for specific groups, e.g. denominations, scroll down to ‘Advice from specific bodies’)
For copies of the latest law and guidance from a very wide range of sources (including government, and many denominations), see the excellent Law and Religion page.
The Heritage Alliance Coronavirus Hub and Funding Hub (includes links to emergency funding from National Lottery Heritage Fund and the second Historic England emergency reponse fund)
Faith Action collates advice and guidance relating to faith organisations and communities.
The NCVO blog and advice page aimed at voluntary organisations, and the useful guidance from the Charity Tax Group
DCMS list of Treasury financial support relevant to Heritage and covering letter (28 April). This duplicates information available above.
4. Advice from specific bodies, including faith groups and denominations
For copies of the latest law and guidance from a very wide range of sources (including government, and many denominations), see the excellent Law and Religion page.
Ecclesiastical Insurance: coronavirus page and five priorities for managing temporarily closed or unoccupied churches
Historic England advice including caring for historic places
Historic Environment Scotland advice
Directory of all CofE advice from Law and Religion UK; Church of England coronavirus advice, from the CofE website; CofE financial advice from Parish Resources; bell ringing advice from the Central Council of Church Bell Ringers; rural church hub from the Arthur Rank Centre
Presbyterian Church in Wales advice
Catholic church England and Wales advice
Muslim Council of Great Britain advice
Board of Deputies of British Jews link to advice (scroll to bottom of page)
5. Calls for evidence, surveys, reports
Added 8 September: Where do we go from here? – a project, supported by HRBA, to help shape future planning and support for churches during Covid and beyond. The questionnaire will take about fifteen minutes, and asks for your experience and insights over the last few months. Deadline 30 September 2020. More details and the survey itself.
Added 27 July: The DCMS Select Committee first report on the impact of Covid-19 has now been issued. Evidence regarding historic religious buildings was given to the Committee by us (the HRBA), our parent body (The Heritage Alliance), the Church of England, the Association of English Cathedrals, and the Cambridgeshire Historic Churches Trust.
Added 23 July: Heritage Alliance Survey (second survey)
Survey on the Covid-19 experience of clergy and those who attend church (open at least until end of June)
Historic England REPORT on its survey
National Lottery Heritage Fund REPORT on its survey
Future for Religious Heritage Survey