Welsh church leaders threaten legal action over ‘firebreak’ lockdown

Oct 24, 2020 by

from Premier:

Christian leaders have urged the Welsh Government to not close churches during the firebreak lockdown.

They have written to First Minister Mark Drakeford asking him to review the measures that will ban churches from hosting services with a congregation for three consecutive Sundays.

The letter, which threatens to seek a judicial review, says the closure of churches is an “extreme interference” in freedom of thought, conscience and religion under Article 9 of the Human Rights Act.

Under the firebreak regulations, all places of worship will be closed in Wales from October 23 until November 9.

Weddings, civil partnership ceremonies and funerals will continue to be held during the firebreak.

The regulations also allow faith leaders to broadcast services from places of worship in the absence of a congregation.

Pete Greasley, senior pastor at Christchurch in Newport, said: “It is vital for a church that serves on the front lines of a community in need to be able to meet and worship together.

“For 25 years we have served the people of Newport and beyond – materially, emotionally and spiritually.

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