Dr Neil Hudson, MP for Penrith and The Border, demonstrated his support for the great work that churches have been doing throughout the coronavirus pandemic by asking what steps are being taken to support people celebrating advent and Christmas and for more targeted financial support.
Dr Hudson asked both a substantive and supplementary question of the Second Church Estates Commissioner in the House of Commons earlier today.
Dr Hudson first asked:
“What steps the Church of England is taking to help ensure that people can safely celebrate Advent and Christmas during the covid-19 outbreak?”
Responding to the question Second Church Estates Commissioner, Andrew Selous said:
“From the 2nd December places of worship can reopen for public worship and churches and cathedrals can now approach advent and Christmas with certainty. The clergy have already demonstrated that they have made their buildings Covid-secure and many cathedrals and churches are planning to have multiple services to accommodate more people as less are allowed in each service. The further good news Mr Speaker is that whilst indoor singing is limited to performers only we can all take part in outdoor and door-to-door singing, staying two metres apart or away from the threshold and nativity plays for under-18s are permitted in accordance for the performing arts guidance.”
In Dr Hudson’s supplementary question he asked:
“Once again Churches have done amazingly through this Pandemic continuing to outreach to their communities and I pay tribute to the churches in Penrith and The Border and across the country who enabled Remembrance Ceremonies to go ahead this year in challenging circumstances. Does my Honourable Friend agree with me that as Churches look ahead to re-open for worship and other activities in the months ahead, that targeted Government financial support for Churches would be a great way of ensuring that their vital community work and support can carry on in the future?”
Responding to the question Second Church Estates Commissioner, Andrew Selous said:
“Churches did indeed organised very respectful and safe remembrance services and the National Churches Trust estimates that the economic value of our social action is around £12.4 billion and I can tell my Honourable friend that 227 churches and cathedrals have been supported by the Cultural Recovery Fund which I thank the Government for.”
Speaking after the Commons session Dr Hudson commented:
“I was pleased for the fulsome responses that I received from the Second Church Estates Commissioner earlier today. Churches across my constituency have been doing fantastic work throughout this pandemic and it is only right that they should be allowed to open so people can worship and safely celebrate advent and Christmas.
The financial support that has been offered to churches and cathedrals is also very welcome. I will continue to follow this issue closely as churches are so often the centre of our local communities and deserve targeted Government support where possible.”