'It’s time to open our churches again'

There was a long pause at the end of the gospel reading on Sunday.

Eventually I realised the WiFi had crashed. My attempt to live stream Mass from Westminster Cathedral had proved too much for my internet connection and the priest was stuck at the lectern – unable to move while I attempted to refresh the page.

Being able to watch live streamed Masses has been a source of comfort during lockdown – WiFi permitting – but it’s no substitute for the real thing. Nothing can replace the peace and presence of the Holy Sacrament, which only our churches and chapels can provide.

This week marks another review date for the restrictions that have governed our lives since 23 March. The Catholic Union is calling for the Government to allow places of worship to open for private prayer as part of the second step in easing the lockdown in England.

We’ve all needed to make sacrifices during this difficult time. Places of worship have played their part by closing their doors in accordance with the Government’s guidance, although the work of churches in our communities has continued throughout this crisis.

Catholics have shown patience and perseverance since churches were closed over two months ago. But as we begin the difficult task of trying to resume some form of normal life, churches need to be restored to their rightful place at the heart of our communities – as places for people to grieve and give thanks or simply find a moment of peace. Allowing churches to open for private prayer would be a very welcome first step.

Easing the lockdown was perhaps always going to be harder than bringing in the restrictions. It’s a constant balancing act between public safety and public freedom. It’s also a test of priorities. While the Government seems to understand the importance of getting the economy moving again, it’s less clear whether the same sense of urgency and understanding applies to places to worship.

It’s easy to imagine how politicians could view the opening of churches as a huge liability without any reward for the Exchequer. But such a view would fundamentally misunderstand the importance of churches to people’s lives and the importance of churches to the life of society.

During this crisis, church groups have been helping to lead the volunteer response in communities across the country. From helping in food banks, delivering food and meals to people self-isolating, to providing a listening ear to the elderly and lonely. Opening churches for private prayer would be a huge morale boast for the faithful.

Churches in Northern Ireland are already open for private prayer and the Scottish Government has plans to allow limited opening of places of worship next month. The position in England is beginning to look at odds with the rest of the UK and the rest of Europe, where churches are also reopening.

Under the Government’s current timescale, places of worship in England will be allowed to open “no earlier than 4 July”. This still seems like a long way off. The caution on the part of the Government is understandable – allowing these buildings to open again is not without risk. But the Government is increasingly trusting our common sense in many other aspects of life.

People are rightly asking why it’s possible to play a round of golf and visit DIY stores, but not be allowed into their church. The Catholic Bishops in England and Wales have produced a plan for how churches could be reopened safely; with social distancing and cleaning arrangements in place. We now need political leadership to help put this plan into practice as soon as possible.

It’s time to take the first steps in allowing people back to church.

James Somerville-Meikle is Head of Public Affairs at the Catholic Union