Mouse of God! Huge surge in churches’ online congregations

CONGREGATIONS at some churches across Scotland have doubled or even trebled during lockdown – even though services have had to move online.

As the pandemic has brought grief, fear, isolation and loneliness, thousands of Scots have sought comfort and spiritual strength from worship.

And technology has allowed greater access to services through the internet.

Recent relaxations of the coronavirus restrictions mean that Easter services will be held today at cathedrals and churches round the country but with strict limits on the number of worshippers.

However, thousands more are expected to attend virtually.

Yesterday, the Rt Rev Dr Martin Fair, Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, said online services had given congregations a massive boost. He said churches had seen as many as 400 parishioners logging on for services, which he described as ‘a lifeline’.

Dr Fair said: ‘The churches did a really good job of what was a really steep learning curve.

‘Some churches – my own being one – were already online but the vast majority had never been near that kind of technology.

‘Within days or a week or so, most had found ways – whether through YouTube, Facebook or Zoom – to get their Sundays online. Church congregations were hugely indebted to that.

‘Churches that would normally have 80 or 90 people were averaging about 150 and churches maybe used to getting 150 physically were saying that 200, 300 or 400 were watching online.

‘People even from across the Atlantic with Scots roots joined in our worship services. So while it’s been really tough being locked out of our buildings, there have been a lot of upsides.’

The Roman Catholic Church also reported significant rises in attendance online, with up to 50 per cent more worshippers at virtual services.

As capacity is so limited for Easter this year, the BBC is broadcasting a mass at noon today from St Mirin’s Cathedral in Paisley, Renfrewshire, celebrated by Bishop John Keenan.

An Easter service by Dr Fair will be available from 9am today on Facebook and the Church of Scotland website.