Blessed relief at last for the nation’s patient faithful
CONGREGATIONS across Scotland returned for their first weekend worship in four months yesterday.
Glasgow’s St Andrew’s Cathedral welcomed worshippers back to their first Sunday masses since March.
Like most churches, it had advised people to book ahead as numbers at places of worship are restricted to 50 people.
The Scottish Episcopal Church also welcomed back some of its congregations, including at its Aberlour parish. Reverend Mark Strange, Bishop of the United Diocese of Moray, Ross and Caithness, said: ‘We prayed for those who were in church, and for those as yet unable to be in church, during the service at Aberlour this morning.’
The latest Scottish Government guidance states churches and other places of worship can reopen with limited numbers and social distancing required. Singing hymns remains banned due to concerns it could increase the spread of the virus.
The doors were reopened as it emerged that the financial blow suffered by churches due to lockdown has been lessened thanks to donations and the furloughing of staff.
However, many had made urgent financial appeals as being forced to close saw them lose millions of pounds.
In May, the Church of Scotland warned it could lose around one third of its income this year – about £30million. A spokesman said: ‘Since then we have taken steps to encourage congregations to make use of reserves... and developed online methods of giving.’
The Roman Catholic Church in Scotland also said it expects financial losses this year.
A spokesman said: ‘The church in Scotland is financially independent and does not receive any income from the Holy See. Financial appeals are being made. The church is likely to face losses.’