Guidance for Churches – January 2022
Introduction
Following the announcement by HM Government on 19th January that the measures put in place to
mitigate against covid virus transmission as “Plan B” will be lifted in full on 27th January, the
following guidance is offered to the dioceses of England and Wales. The material in this briefing
has been agreed with Public Health officials and follows the regulations for England and concur
with the regulations in place for Wales which take effect on 28th January 2022 (apart from the note
regarding face coverings below).
Acts of Worship
The main mitigation against serious health issues arising from covid infection is to be fully
vaccinated; this means two doses plus a booster for anyone aged 16 or over. The vaccine programme
in England and Wales has had a major impact in reducing death and serious illness from infection
with Covid-19. The Church in England and Wales supports the vaccination programme and
encourages people to be vaccinated.
The scientific consensus is that society is moving towards the stage where the virus is transitioning
from the pandemic phase to the endemic phase, but as stated by HM Government, there is still a risk
associated with gathering for sustained periods in enclosed spaces and therefore there needs to be
continued caution by all against infection.
This, however, has to be balanced against the need to move forward safely towards a normal lifestyle
and these two positions will always be held in tension. This holding in tension is the key to living
safely with Covid-19, namely keeping infections from a virus that cannot be eliminated to levels
which minimise disruption to people’s lives.
This guidance has been written with this principle in mind.
Alongside the positive effects of covid vaccination, it should be stressed that any people displaying
symptoms of Covid-19 should stay at home and not participate in acts of worship in church. This is
good practice for any transmissible illness. Medical advice should be sought as appropriate for those
who are ill.
The main form of virus transmission is via personal oral or nasal aerosol. Those attending an act of
worship may continue to wear a face covering (both nose and mouth) whilst in the church building
(NB face coverings remain mandatory in Wales until further advised). There is no need for formal
social distancing in church buildings, although those present should be sensitive to the needs of
others around them. Churches should continue to ensure there is good ventilation, balancing this
against the need for church heating, especially at this time.
It is clear from scientific evidence that transmission from surfaces (touch transmission) is now
minimal and so the use of hymn books, missals and other worship aids can be resumed with
immediate effect. Whilst it is still good practice to sanitise hands on entry and exit of churches, there
is no need for readers (or other ministers) to sanitise their hands before reading or performing other
ministries in the church. All ministers of Holy Communion (clergy and lay people) should still
sanitise their hands for the distribution of Holy Communion. Holy water stoups may be refilled but
care should be seen that the water is changed regularly (at a minimum of once a week). Usual forms
of church cleaning are sufficient.
Regarding the liturgical action, there should be a return to the normal mode of celebrating Mass
respecting the integrity of the Rite. This would include the reintroduction of the Prayer of the
Faithful (where this has not been reinstated already), the Sign of Peace may be offered again if felt
appropriate, and Holy Communion should be distributed at the usual place and in the usual mode
(i.e. with the faithful approaching the minister in an orderly procession). For the time being, Holy
Communion must continue to be given under one kind only (the Sacred Host) and for
concelebrations of clergy, intinction of the Precious Blood with the Sacred Host should continue to
be used.
Where there is physical touch as part of another Rite of the Church (for example, anointing of the
sick, ashing of foreheads etc) the use of cotton buds is no longer mandated, but the hands should be
cleaned well before and after the Rite.
Congregational singing may continue and there is a general encouragement to wear face coverings
while singing. However, it is recognised that not everyone will feel able to do this.
Social Activities
Parish social activities can resume (if they have been suspended) from the revert date to Plan A. It
is recommended that the normal Health and Safety risk assessment for the activity and the space
used for the activity is reviewed for these types of gatherings.
Home Visits
Home visits can continue (or begin again if they had been suspended) by priests, deacons and
extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion and other volunteers. The minister to the sick or
housebound person should take care to ensure that the number of visits to different homes in a single
session of visiting is managed. It is recommended (outside hospital and hospice chaplaincies and
social care institutions who have infection control in place) that the number of people visited is
assessed beforehand to prevent the possibilities of transmitting the virus between people. Assessing
the time spent with people and ensuring that there is good ventilation and cleanliness during the
visit are also good practice.
Conclusion
Whilst this reduction of restrictions brings about a more normal way of living, the Covid-19 virus is
still in circulation, and this should be in the mind of those participating in the life of the Church as
time goes forward holding in balance the need for personal safety and taking responsibility for that
safety.
Rev. Canon Christopher Thomas
FINAL
24th January 2022
Updated 28th January 2022