Oh God...

Wednesday 18 March 2020

Most churches in Guernsey are suspending public worship, the Dean has announced.

The Very Reverend Tim Barker announced the move that will see public acts of worship, and meetings and gatherings suspended for the foreseeable future.

"We have made this decision with a heavy heart, but it is important that we do all that we can to prevent the further spread of coronavirus (COVID-19)," he said, speaking on behalf of nearly all churches in Guernsey, beside the Catholic Churches. 

"Our priority is to protect our whole community, and especially the most vulnerable people. Our church buildings are places where a wide variety of ages gather for our Sunday services. As we cannot guarantee the level of social distancing that we are advised is necessary, we must put on hold the usual pattern of Sunday services and mid-week gatherings."

Pictured: Reverend Tim Barker speaking at a recent Holocaust memorial event. 

This decision follows a meeting which the Dean convened on Monday for some of the leaders of the Guernsey churches, and consultation overnight with Anglican clergy and churchwardens.

Other churches in Guernsey, including the churches of the Guernsey Methodist Circuit, the three Elim churches and The Rock Community Church in St Sampson have also decided to suspend services and other gatherings. The Salvation Army programme and worship will cease with immediate effect, but the Nocq Road community centre will remain open on reduced hours to provide community support. 

"We may no longer be meeting for worship, but the life of the Christian church in Guernsey is not interrupted," the Dean added. "The churches of the Guernsey Deanery and our sister and brother Christians from the other churches will continue to serve the people of the Bailiwick. Many church buildings will remain open for people to call in for prayer and reflection. Clergy and ministers will be more available than usual to speak to people by telephone, email and social media. We will be looking to provide resources to support people during the uncertain weeks ahead, as well as exploring technological solutions to enable worship and prayer.

"Above all, we will be praying for the people of Guernsey, and especially those in our government who carry the responsibility of difficult decisions, all who work in medical and health care, and all those whose livelihoods will be affected as a result of the pandemic."

Pictured top: Town Church.