Singing in church is back after a successful campaign backed by Catholic composer Sir James MacMillan and others.
There had been continuing uncertainty over what restrictions would remain in place even as the date of so-called “freedom day” on July 19 approaches, the day on which the government promised to end the majority of pandemic measures effecting ordinary life.
But following a sustained campaign called Sign to Sing, organised by charity Premier Christian Communications, the government finally agreed that English churches could burst into song on June 19, with all restrictions on singing indoors to be lifted. The campaign, although originating among evangelical churches, reached across the ecclesial spectrum, with Sir James MacMillan tweeting his support and posting it on his Facebook page.
Campaigners had pointed out the hypocrisy of Wembley crowds being able to belt out tunes while faithful Christians were forced to remain silent every week in church, as well as the centrality of collective song to Christian prayer and worship.
Peter Kerridge, chief executive of Premier Christian Communications said: “It’s ironic that hymns we listen to at church often exhort us to sing our praises to God, but we can only sit in silence because of the latest government guidelines. It’s frustrating because singing in communion with others is a form of prayer and a much valued part of the church service.
“We were right to be cautious about singing in front of others because we couldn’t be fully sure of the risks. But now we know more about the science and we know that singing poses no more risk than talking, especially when you consider that when we sing we do so mainly in the same direction, but when we talk we are often facing each other.”
He had warned: “The Government is preparing to lift most of the remaining restrictions on July 19. This is due in large part to the NHS’s hugely successful vaccination programme. For many social and cultural activities, like big sport events and festivals, we will see some level of normality return. However, we can’t be sure yet that congregational singing will be allowed. So, while it could be fine for football fans to return to their terrace chants at Wembley – or even in small pubs around the country, we could still be banned from singing our favourite hymns in our own congregations. That can’t be right, can it?”
The Evangelical Alliance had described the ban on singing in church as “nonsensical”. The Anglican Bishop of Leeds, Nick Baines described the measures as “inconsistent” during a debate in the House of Lords. The Bishop of London, Sarah Mullaly, said she would continue to press for an “ongoing appraisal of choral and congregational signing”.
Polling commissioned by Premier showed that 60 per cent of the public backed reversing the ban on indoor song, and on Monday the government finally changed its policy.
The last minute decision by the government to lift the ban has already saved the Three Choirs Festival, the longest running non-competitive classical music festival in the world, which has been going steady since 1729, and will now go ahead as normal after months of uncertainty.
Member of the Three Choirs Chorus and Green city councillor, Marjory Bisset, said: “I am delighted that the Three Choirs Festival 2021 is going ahead following the lifting of the ban on singing indoors. It has been a fraught few weeks for all involved in planning and performing. I am looking forward immensely to singing some enthralling music in our great cathedral.”
Kerridge welcome the government’s change of heart: “Singing in communion with others is a form of prayer and a much valued part of the church service and we are delighted that it will be back.”
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