Churches kept closed

sir – The Bishop of Leicester and the public health director have no authority to request the closure of the churches in Sileby, Cossington and Seagrave (Letters, March 3). That is a decision for the rector and PCC.

Financial pressures are surely made worse by keeping church buildings closed. No wonder the rector does not know how many will return.

Privatising the central part of a church’s existence, Holy Communion, so that the only recipients are clergy in their vicarages is a cause of dismay. In many parts of England the Reformation has been cancelled, as lay people can no longer receive Communion on a Sunday.

Dr Penelope Upton

Lighthorne, Warwickshire