In
a video message recorded in response to the coronavirus pandemic,
Bishop Paul says there are difficult days ahead but the church will find
practical ways to respond with kindness and care to people in need.
He said that in times like these the people of God respond with prayer not despair.
Click here to watch the video
Earlier
this week, Archbishops Justin Welby and John Sentamu announced that it
was necessary to put public worship services on hold in line with the
latest Government advice on coronavirus.
In their letter, the Archbishops said that far from having to “shut up shop”, the Church of England must face the challenge by becoming a different kind of church rooted in prayer and serving others.
The
Archbishops expressed the desire that church buildings may, where
practical, remain open as places of prayer for the community, observing
social distancing recommendations.
The latest advice on the coronavirus is available on the Church of England website: https://www.churchofengland.org/more/media-centre/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance-churches
There is help and information on: How to livestream services, including
information on copyright; Where to access online services and prayers
(prayers also appear daily on the diocesan website, Facebook account and
twitter feed); Digital resources; Suggested prayer and scripture;
Mental health resources.
There is also an extensive FAQs section which contains advice on holding funerals and weddings.