First Communions on hold as church leaders blast ‘draconian’ Covid rules

TRADITIONAL First Communions are having to be postponed or drastically scaled back because of ‘draconian and unfair’ new lockdown rules, Catholic Church leaders have claimed.

The ceremonies, a sacred rite of passage for young Catholics, would normally have taken place in May but were delayed after churches were forced to close at the height of the pandemic.

Since schools returned two weeks ago, parishes and schools have been trying to catch up on the backlog to stage the important Christian celebration for as many P5 pupils as possible this month.

But a spokesman for the Catholic Church in Scotland said: ‘They are being really hindered because the restrictions that have been put on places of worship are significantly more rigorous, we would say draconian, than on anywhere else. As a result, First Communions are happening on either a dramatically reduced basis or, in the case of some parishes, they are holding back in the hope that next May the restrictions are either reduced or even lifted.’

He cited the hospitality sector where social distancing limits are set at one metre and there is no requirement to wear a mask while eating or drinking. However, churches have a two-metre rule and worshippers have to wear a face covering.

A Scottish Government spokesman said: ‘We recognise the importance of First Communions for our Catholic communities and understand that many people will be disappointed that essential restrictions on the number of people attending a place of worship can’t be eased at this stage.’