The Church of Scotland has issued an update on the timescale for a return to worship in church.
The expectation is that phase 3 of the route map out of lock down will get under way from 10 July.
The First Minister, however, does not foresee worship being open to “extended groups” at that point, but possibly from 23 July.
That means that there can be neither public worship nor any gatherings in our church buildings before then unless the Scottish Government announce a change of heart.
Place of worship includes outdoor spaces such as church gardens!
Watch this space for further updates.
The Scottish Government has published its plans for the future.
The full document can be viewed here. The section on Gatherings & Occasions is reproduced below:
Lockdown
No public gatherings of more than two people.
No mass gatherings.
Funerals take place with limited number of attendees.
Phase 1 – Commencing Friday 29th May
No public gatherings permitted except for meetings of two households, outdoors and with physical distancing.
Phase 2 Commencing Thursday 19th June, 22nd June & 29th June.
Registration offices open for high priority tasks.
Places of worship open for private prayer under physical distancing rules and hygiene safeguards.
Allow marriages and civil partnerships and other types of ceremonies to take place with minimal number of attendees.
Phase 3 Commencing Wednesday From 10th July ?
People can meet in extended groups subject to physical distancing.
Places of worship open to extended groups subject to physical distancing and hygiene safeguards.
Relaxation of restrictions to attendance at funerals, marriages and civil partnerships beyond “close family”.
Phase 4
Mass gatherings resume in line with public health advice.
All ceremonies can take place, with improved hygiene and other precautions.