ADVICE ON THE EASING OF RESTRICTIONS AND ITS IMPLICATIONS

MINOR UPDATE - 27th JUNE: We are still waiting for government advice and will then need to work on that. However, in view of the changing situation, the document "Ready for the 'New Normal' has been updated and the new version is entitled "Emerging into the 'New Normal'. It was posted on this blog today, 
 - https://urceasternsynod.blogspot.com/2020/06/emerging-into-new-normal.html
and is also available on the denomination's website.

Please note that this advice will be update as work is done to support and advise URC congregations - and as further guidance is made available by the government.

YOU ARE ADVISED TO CHECK THIS POSTING REGULARLY FOR THE TIME BEING AS IT WILL CHANGE - THIS VERSION IS POSTED 24th JUNE at 1.15pm.

At the moment, we can offer an initial statement from the Revd. John Proctor, General Secretary.  The Synod Moderators and the General Secretariat are actively working on advice, but are reliant on the issuing of further guidance by the government., -              Revd. Paul Whittle, Synod Moderator

The Revd John Proctor, General Secretary of the United Reformed Church (URC), makes the following statement after Boris Johnson, the Prime Minister, announced the easing of an array of lockdown restrictions.

“The Prime Minister spoke today (23 June) about the relaxation of a number of Covid-related restrictions in England, from 4 July. The restoration of church worship, although without singing, is reportedly one of these. Many URC congregations will want to think carefully about how to respond to this possibility. We rejoice when we can worship together. Yet haste could lead to mistakes and danger.

“To help local churches to make proper plans, the Synod Moderators are presently working on careful URC guidance, which we hope to get onto the central URC website within a few days. Whether we can do so may depend on HM Government’s own timetable, as they intend to issue detailed guidelines to fill out the announcement made today, and we must be mindful of what we find there.

“So, watch this space. The URC’s official guidance, for our churches in England, will be published here. Scotland and Wales, and the small island jurisdictions, have their own governments, regulations and timetables. We must always heed public advice and direction, whether from governments or from local authorities.

“With care, with distance, with gladness, we shall one day be able to worship together. For some of us that day may not be far ahead. But let’s do it responsibly.”

Published: 23 June 2020