More
    HomeNewsWorldUK Releases Guidelines for Christmas Church Services

    UK Releases Guidelines for Christmas Church Services

    Published on

    spot_img

    Subscribe to our newsletter

    Stay up to date with what's happening in the Christian community

    As the UK lifts its second lockdown on December 2, the government has released guidelines for the Christmas season about how to lessen the risk of Coronavirus infection as it allows outdoor carol services and Nativity plays, reports Premier Christian News.

    According to the UK government, “From 2nd December, you can attend places of worship in all tiers. The rules on who you can meet with whilst at places of worship will depend on your tier. Between 23rd and 27th December, you may also attend a place of worship with members of your Christmas bubble. This applies in all tiers.”

    While indoor singing is limited to performance only, we can all take part in outdoor door-to-door singing, staying two meters apart or away from the threshold, and the nativity plays for under 18s are permitted in accordance with the performing arts guidance. —Andrew Selous, Member of Parliament of the UK

    Regions in England are placed in one of three tiers: medium (1), high (2), and very high (3). The majority of England is placed in tiers two and three, according to BBC. Areas in tier 3 have the most restrictions, including a ban on socializing with people not in your household, or is not in your support bubble.

    To limit the number of attendees, churches are planning to hold multiple services to accommodate less people at each service and minimize the risk of transmission of Coronavirus.

    Caroling is part of Christmas, and while Coronavirus is transmitted through small droplets, aerosols and direct contact, the Government advised people to take steps to reduce the risk of transmission:

    1. People with symptoms or those who have had contact with others who have Covid-19 should not participate in singing or attend singing events.

    2. Singing should only take place in larger, well-ventilated spaces or outdoors.

    3. Performances or rehearsals should be for limited periods of time at a reduced level of loudness, using microphones if available.

    4. Limit the number of people who sing together.

    5. Singers should be spaced at least two meters apart in all directions (at least one meter apart if the additional measures are applied).

    Churches that will hold carol services will be subject to local gathering limits. Choirs can perform in indoor venues, but the audience are advised against singing, shouting, or chanting.

    Christian Member of Parliament Andrew Selous said, “While indoor singing is limited to performance only, we can all take part in outdoor door-to-door singing, staying two meters apart or away from the threshold, and the nativity plays for under 18s are permitted in accordance with the performing arts guidance.”

    Out to Perform welcomed the concrete guidelines on Christmas activities. The group previously appealed to the government to allow safe caroling when the lockdown is lifted since the activity raises $13 million for charities during the Christmas season.

     

    Latest articles

    Ask Kathy: Why am I not experiencing more joy in my life?

    We asked Kathy Martin, a well known counselor with a thriving practice in Palm Beach County, if she would address questions brought to her by readers of One Christian Voice. And she agreed! Here is the first question we posed to her and her solution.

    Hope California to Bring Thousands to Jesus

    Following the success in Asbury University, a major outreach movement is in motion in California.

    Churches in Malawi Respond with Shelter and Food After Deadly Cyclone

    The longest-ever recorded cyclone in history---lasting 36 days, hit southeast Africa and killed 522, injured more than 700 people, and left more than 345,000 people homeless.

    Regent Students Choose God During Spring Break

    Regent University in Virginia experienced the call of the Holy Spirit during an outpouring of spiritual renewal.

    More like this

    Churches in Malawi Respond with Shelter and Food After Deadly Cyclone

    The longest-ever recorded cyclone in history---lasting 36 days, hit southeast Africa and killed 522, injured more than 700 people, and left more than 345,000 people homeless.

    France Celebrates Bible Month

    This year's theme is "Solidarity in the light of the Bible" and more than 200 bookstores and libraries are joining.

    New Women’s Audio Bible Launched in the UK

    The first-ever audio Bible recorded solely by UK women launched on March 8, coinciding with International Women's Day.