Be mindful of the most vulnerable, says CofE as restrictions lift

The Bishop of London, Sarah Mullally, is a former Chief Nursing Officer with 35 years of experience in the NHS. She chaired the Church of England's Covid Recovery Group during the pandemic. (Photo: Church of England)

The Bishop of London has cautioned churches to remember the most vulnerable as Covid restrictions lift.

The Prime Minister announced earlier this week that all remaining Covid restrictions would be ending as part of the government's "Living with Covid" plan.

From Thursday, people with Covid will no longer be legally required to self isolate, and routine contact tracing will end.

Bishop Sarah Mullally, who chairs the Church of England's Covid Recovery Group, said that "there may be good reason" for individuals and local churches to continue taking some measures despite legal restrictions lifting.

"The Prime Minister's announcement that Covid-19 restrictions are being lifted holds out the hopeful prospect of the end of the pandemic but will nonetheless raise concerns for some," she said.

She added, "I am conscious that some people with medical conditions will be more fearful now that compulsory isolation for those who are likely to be infectious is ending and we should not lose our focus on the most vulnerable."

The bishop said the pandemic has had "a major impact" on people's wellbeing and that "the need to look out for each other is as great if not greater than ever".

But she also thanked the NHS and frontline workers, and paid tribute to the many people "who have made huge sacrifices" during the pandemic, including clergy, parish volunteers and congregations.

And she expressed thanks for the vaccine.

"Your actions - whether noticed or unnoticed, big or small - have been the glue which has held our communities and our nation together during this time of great need," she said.

She added, "We've much to be thankful for - not least the vaccines which have been a real answer to prayer. They are more vital than ever, both here and around the world."

News
Sudan authorities use bureaucracy to stop church rebuilding and worship
Sudan authorities use bureaucracy to stop church rebuilding and worship

Authorities in Sudan are obstructing efforts by a church to rebuild and even to use their place of worship

Ramadan ‘offers a unique opportunity’ to share the Gospel, says missiologist
Ramadan ‘offers a unique opportunity’ to share the Gospel, says missiologist

Dr Emil Saleem Shehadeh has some sage advice for how Christians can engage with their Muslim neighbours and colleagues during Ramadan.

David Tudor hit with another lifetime ministry ban
David Tudor hit with another lifetime ministry ban

Having already been banned, the latest sanction merely reinforces an earlier decision.

Armenia’s Christian civilization is under existential threat - the UK must not stand idly by
Armenia’s Christian civilization is under existential threat - the UK must not stand idly by

The constellation of powers that produced the eradication of the Armenian Christian presence in Nagorno Karabakh now have their sights on the Republic of Armenia itself.