Government will 'continue to be led by the science' on church singing ban

 (Photo: Unsplash/Jonathan Chng)

The government is refusing to be drawn on a date for ending the current ban on congregational singing in churches. 

'Freedom Day' is just around the corner on 19 July, but Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Thursday that some restrictions may have to stay in place.

In the House of Lords on Wednesday, the Bishop of Gloucester, Rachel Treweek, asked for clarity around the continued restrictions and whether the government was planning to review the research "given that singing is not an add-on to worship but integral to it".

Answering on behalf of the government, Baroness Barran said guidance would be updated in line with the science.

"I absolutely recognise the right reverend Prelate's final remarks about singing being integral to worship," she said.

"We continue to be led by the science and the experts, and to follow the public health advice. As soon as that changes, we will of course update the guidance."

Health Secretary Sajid Javid was challenged in the Commons on Monday by Conservative MP Theresa Villiers about changing the rules "now that thousands of people are allowed to gather together at a football match to shout and cheer as much as they want". 

In reply, Javid said "that is certainly what I would like to see and it is certainly my intention to allow that to happen as soon as possible".

"When it does, I hope we can sing a hymn together," he added.

The DUP's Jim Shannon asked when worshippers would be allowed to sit in church without wearing a mask "just as diners can sit in a restaurant self-distanced without a mask". 

He said, "If we are going to have parity, then I believe that churches should have parity with restaurants."

Javid said it was his intention to remove the requirement for masks soon.

"I agree with him that as we move towards removing restrictions and step 4, we should take seriously into account what he said about people attending churches and the restrictions that they currently face. That is certainly my intention," said Javid.

News
The first Christmas song to be sung in churches
The first Christmas song to be sung in churches

Every Christmas, people sing the song “While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks by Night”. Unlike many other songs and carols that include elements of non-biblical tradition and myth, this song is pure Scripture. It was the first Christmas song authorised to be sung in the Church of England. This is the story …

The story of the Christmas Truce of 1914
The story of the Christmas Truce of 1914

On Christmas Eve in 1914, many men were in the trenches fighting the war, but the spirit of Christmas halted the conflict for a brief period. This is the story …

Report highlights injustices experienced by Christians in the Holy Land
Report highlights injustices experienced by Christians in the Holy Land

Jerusalem Church leaders have released a report detailing the struggles and challenges currently faced be Christians living in the Holy Land.

Have you lost the wonder of Christmas?
Have you lost the wonder of Christmas?

For you who have been followers of Jesus Christ for a long time, maybe the pain and suffering of this world and the darkness you have had to live through this past year has gotten you down to the point of complete and utter discouragement. But all is not lost.