Public services take place in region's cathedrals again for first time in months

Churches across England have reopened their doors for public services this weekend after more than three months of online worship during lockdown.
By Emma Ryan
Published 5th Jul 2020, 17:00 BST

Worshippers were asked to observe hygiene and social distancing guidance, including changes to singing and Holy Communion, during services.

On Saturday evening some places of worship welcomed their first congregations such as Ripon Cathedral and York Minster.

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At York Minster, opening for evening prayer on Saturday after being closed since March 16, worshippers were limited in number and asked to leave their names and contact details.

Worshippers socially distance during the first public Holy Communion to be held at York Minster since the easing of coronavirus lockdown restrictions.Worshippers socially distance during the first public Holy Communion to be held at York Minster since the easing of coronavirus lockdown restrictions.
Worshippers socially distance during the first public Holy Communion to be held at York Minster since the easing of coronavirus lockdown restrictions.

Staff and clergy wore face masks and visors to welcome visitors, a one-way system was in place and hand sanitiser was available.

Ahead of the reopening, the Minster said services will be simpler and shorter initially, with changes including no congregational singing, hand-shaking or drinking from the common cup during Holy Communion.

The cathedral, which dates back to the seventh century, reopened for individual prayer on June 16 and will welcome sightseers from July 11.

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The Dean of York, the Right Rev Dr Jonathan Frost, said: "We are delighted to open our doors again to welcome people for public worship and to explore this magnificent sacred space.

The Dean of York, the Right Revd Dr Jonathan Frost leads the first public Holy Communion to be held at York Minster since the easing of coronavirus lockdown restrictions across England.The Dean of York, the Right Revd Dr Jonathan Frost leads the first public Holy Communion to be held at York Minster since the easing of coronavirus lockdown restrictions across England.
The Dean of York, the Right Revd Dr Jonathan Frost leads the first public Holy Communion to be held at York Minster since the easing of coronavirus lockdown restrictions across England.

"Over the last few weeks we have welcomed many for individual prayer, but to gather again for worship - with relevant physical distancing measures in place - will be a huge encouragement for many."

At Ripon Cathedral, the first public service for months also took place on Saturday night.

Around 120 people attended the worship which was led by the Bishop of Leeds, the Rt Rev Nick Baines.

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Elsewhere, one church overcame the restrictions by holding a drive-in "Songs of Praise-style service".

A socially distanced service at Ripon Cathedral.A socially distanced service at Ripon Cathedral.
A socially distanced service at Ripon Cathedral.

Around 40 cars gathered in the village hall car park this morning (Sunday) to take part in the St Barnabas Church service in Swanmore, Hampshire, led by Reverend Claire Towns.

Participants were asked to book places beforehand, choose their favourite hymns and songs and sing within their cars with members of their own household.

Rev Towns said: "We decided that we wanted to offer people the chance to sing, as that is an important part of Christian worship. For people in the village, it's another sign that the church is at the heart of this community."

Related topics:ChurchesEnglandParticipantsYork Minster

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