Easter is cancelled – Kirk axes all services

CHURCH services across Scotland have been cancelled until further notice.

The Church of Scotland and the Scottish Episcopal Church have announced the steps from today in response to the coronavirus pandemic.

A spokesman for the Church of Scotland said: ‘We are asking that all gatherings for worship should cease until further notice.

‘This includes all Easter services. Some presbyteries have already instructed this action. This will include, but not be restricted to, house groups, meetings for youth work and church cafes.

‘It will still be possible for an individual to offer a live-streaming of a sermon and prayers.’

A spokesman for the Scottish Episcopal Church (SEC) said clergy have been asked to cease church services until further notice, ‘to help protect the vulnerable from coronahow virus’. The College of Bishops took the decision after careful consideration of advice from the Scottish Government advising people to ‘minimise social contact by avoiding crowded areas and large gatherings, including religious congregations’.

The Most Rev Dr Mark Strange, Primus of the SEC, said: ‘This is a difficult time for many people. Some are fearful for themselves or their relatives, while others want to know to help stem the spread of the virus.

‘Our guidance is given not just to address medical concerns but also with pastoral concern being uppermost in our hearts and minds, particularly the care of the vulnerable in our congregations and communities.’

Scottish Episcopal Church buildings can stay open for private prayer, with visitors asked to follow all public health guidelines over hygiene.

Congregations will also be able to watch a video service every Sunday via its website.

The SEC has already postponed its annual meeting of the General Synod, which was due to take place in Edinburgh from June 11-13.

The Church of Scotland has meanwhile cancelled the General Assembly due to take place in May. Principal Clerk Rev Dr George Whyte said: ‘In the current circumstances it was the only choice we could make.

‘Our Assembly would have brought almost a thousand people to a week-long meeting in Edinburgh, including visitors from overseas and from other churches.

‘The church will find alternative ways to make urgent decisions, including confirming the appointment of our new Moderator, the Rev Dr Martin Fair, who will take up his duties in May.’

The Church of England has suspended all services until further notice, although a spokesman said weddings and funerals may still go ahead.

The Methodist Church has also suspended services.

‘Some are fearful’ ‘Only choice we could make’