Edinburgh church's digital services reach thousands more during lockdown

 (Photo: Ps and Gs)

The number of people joining an Edinburgh church's services has swelled during the lockdown.

Like other churches across the country, St Paul's and St George's in York Place moved its services online when the Government started introducing strict social distancing measures. 

It has been livestreaming three online services each Sunday throughout the lockdown.

While its physical Sunday services typically attract several hundred people, thousands more have been tuning in to the broadcasts. 

One online service was watched live 4,300 times, the BBC reports. 

Associate rector the Reverend Libby Talbot was expecting even more people to join the virtual Easter Sunday service. 

In a break with tradition, the Easter service was pre-recorded, which she said made it possible for the church's rector, Reverend Dave Richards, to have his first Easter Sunday off in 30 years.

She believes that the much larger numbers of people turning in for the church's digital services is a reflection of the uncertainty people are feeling in a "hopeless time".

"Life feels so helpless and chaotic just now and people feel out of control," she told the BBC. 

"Christianity is built on a solid foundation and gives real hope during this period of hopelessness and uncertainty.

"People are thinking just now about what the future holds and so are looking to the church.

"People also have more time just now and so are exploring - a service online is a low threatening way to do this."

News
Pope seeks prayers for peace in Christmas Day message
Pope seeks prayers for peace in Christmas Day message

The Pope asked people to pray in particular for the "tormented people of Ukraine" in his Christmas Day 'Urbi et Orbi' message. 

Who was St Stephen and why is he remembered on December 26?
Who was St Stephen and why is he remembered on December 26?

The carol says, “Good King Wenceslas last looked out on the Feast of Stephen.” In many countries, December 26, also known as Boxing Day, is better known as St Stephen’s Day. Stephen was the first Christian martyr. This is the story …

King Charles reflects on pilgrimage, reconciliation and hope in Christmas Day address
King Charles reflects on pilgrimage, reconciliation and hope in Christmas Day address

King Charles III used his Christmas Day speech to reflect on the significance of pilgrimage as he appealed to the nation "to cherish the values of compassion and reconciliation". 

2 Timothy 3:16 is Logos' Bible verse of the year, Matthew was the most studied book
2 Timothy 3:16 is Logos' Bible verse of the year, Matthew was the most studied book

One of the most-studied Bible verses of the year is from 2 Timothy in the New Testament, according to an analysis of millions of Bible study sessions that tracked how believers worldwide are engaging with Scripture.