Oral Answers to Questions

John Lamont Excerpts
Thursday 25th June 2020

(3 years, 9 months ago)

Commons Chamber
Read Full debate Read Hansard Text Read Debate Ministerial Extracts
Desmond Swayne Portrait Sir Desmond Swayne (New Forest West) (Con)
- Hansard - - - Excerpts

What representations the Church Commissioners have made to the Government on enabling public worship to resume in churches.

John Lamont Portrait John Lamont (Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk) (Con)
- Hansard - -

What the timeframe is for the resumption of church services as the covid-19 lockdown restrictions are eased.

Michael Fabricant Portrait Michael Fabricant (Lichfield) (Con)
- Hansard - - - Excerpts

When the Church Commissioners plan to reopen cathedrals and churches for worship; and if he will make a statement.

--- Later in debate ---
Andrew Selous Portrait Andrew Selous
- Hansard - - - Excerpts

That is a challenge indeed, Mr Speaker, but what I would say to my right hon. Friend is that I hope he has taken part in some of the uplifting online worship and services that have been available to him during the lockdown, and I would add that the warmth of the welcome, the opportunity for fellowship and the chance to grow in faith through prayer, worship and the revelation of God’s word will prove an irresistible temptation to my right hon. Friend to return.

John Lamont Portrait John Lamont
- Hansard - -

I very much welcome that services can resume in places of worship in England and that private prayer is allowed in other nations of the United Kingdom, but what discussions have there been with Churches to ensure that people are encouraged to go back to church and are reassured that it is safe to do so?

Andrew Selous Portrait Andrew Selous
- Hansard - - - Excerpts

The Church is delighted to be able to throw open its doors again, so that we can gather again for public worship and weddings in the way that we have not been able to do over the past three months. We will make sure that people are safe. I know that clergy and church wardens are taking their responsibilities very seriously to make sure that people are safe when they come, and we are really looking forward to seeing them back again in all our churches.