The Archbishop of Canterbury has today announced that public worship is ‘suspended until further notice’ amid fears over coronavirus.It’s however unknown whether the Anglican Communion,(which is the Nigeria affiliate of Church of England) will do likewise and stop Church services
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a joint letter, the Archbishops of Canterbury and York, Justin Welby and John Sentamu respectively, said it was ‘necessary to put public services on hold’.
They added church buildings may remain open for prayer ‘where practical’ and as long as worshippers observe social distancing recommendations.
A Church of England spokesman also clarified that weddings and funerals could still go ahead.
It comes after Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced last night that people should stop socialising, work from home, avoid travelling and that whole households should stay in isolation if one person becomes ill. Being a part of the Church of England is going to look very different in the days ahead,’ the archbishops wrote.
‘Our life is going to be less characterised by attendance at church on Sunday, and more characterised by the prayer and service we offer each day.
‘We may not be able to pray with people in the ways that we are used to, but we can certainly pray for people. And we can certainly offer practical care and support.
‘Please do carry on supporting the local foodbank and buy extra provisions for it. Ensure the night shelters wherever possible are kept open.
‘There are many very encouraging schemes happening right across our country in communities to focus on caring for the most vulnerable and do continue to play your part in those.
‘Then by our service, and by our love, Jesus Christ will be made known, and the hope of the gospel – a hope that can counter fear and isolation – will spread across our land.