Covid: Church of England services hit by pandemic

More than half of the Church of England’s 14,000 parishes will not open for Sunday services later, as places of worship are hit hard by Covid-19.

Many of the Church’s clergy are shielding, while some parishes have decided it is not safe enough to admit worshippers.

Most mosques in London did not open for Friday prayers.

The Catholic Church in England and Wales says parishes that are able to follow guidelines will still open.

Despite coronavirus restrictions, places of worship in England and Wales can open – but many are struggling to do so safely.

Places of worship remain closed throughout Scotland, while Northern Ireland’s main church denominations are to cease public worship until early February.

The Church of England has told the BBC more than half of its parishes – including some cathedrals – will not open for communal prayer on Sunday. Many have moved their worship online.

The Church said some of its clergy were shielding, and all parishes were making their own decision.

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