Churches will be allowed to open for individual prayer from 15 June, two weeks earlier than first announced. 

The announcement from the Government brings the official re-opening date for places of worship forward from 4 July. 

The original timeline had been strongly criticised by church leaders, including Carindal Vincent Nichols, the head of the Catholic Church in England and Wales. 

"This is a first, measured step in restoring the more normal practice of our faith and will be welcomed by so many, who have waited with great patience since 23 March when our churches were closed, by Government decision, as part of the fight against this pandemic," the Cardinal said. 

"I thank everyone for that patience. It is important that every care is taken to ensure that the guidance given for this limited opening is fully observed, not least by those entering our churches.

"Our preparation is taking place with thoroughness. Visiting a church for individual prayer, benefitting from the sacredness of that space, can be done safely and confidently." 

He added that not every Catholic church would be able to open as early as 15 June.

He continued: "This first step enables us to learn and prepare for those that will take us to a fuller use of our churches, for the celebration of Mass and other sacraments.

"We await that time with deep longing but patient understanding that the protection of the health of our society, especially of the most vulnerable, is a proper cause for caution and care."

While churches will be permitted to allow individuals in for individual prayer, they have longer to wait until they can open for full services and larger gatherings, like weddings.  

The Government had been under pressure last week to introduce the phased re-opening of churches after lockdown measures in the retail and other sectors started to ease. 

The Bishop of London, Sarah Mullally, chair of the Church of England's Recovery Group welcomed the announcement.

"This is the start of the journey for church buildings to open up safely in line with Government advice and we look forward to their detailed guidance on enabling this first step to happen," she said. 

"Advice has already been circulated to all our dioceses to enable local churches to plan ahead for opening up for individual prayer. Our advice recognises that a particular local church may or may not be able to open at the same time as others and collaborative working between local churches is encouraged.

"A simple risk assessment template has been provided.

"Throughout this crisis churches have been serving their communities in a range of practical ways but this announcement recognises that the buildings themselves are important sacred spaces for people. We also remember all at this time who mourn the loss of a loved one who died during the crisis and recognise that this is a fragile time in the prevention of the spread of this virus.

"We look forward to when it is safe for our church buildings once again to become meeting places for worship, prayer and all they do to serve and bless their communities."