Funerals can take place inside Church of England buildings from Monday, the House of Bishops has announced.
It said it issued new guidance following the easing of restrictions on private prayer, the falling COVID-19 death rate and “the pastoral needs of those who have been bereaved”.
The House of Bishops noted that it may not be feasible for all buildings to hold funerals inside and local decisions would have to be made.
Services
In line with Government guidelines, only members of the deceased’s household, close family members, or close friends are still able to attend and social distancing must be maintained.
The Church advises against singing for hygiene reasons and also said the use of communal Bibles and hymn books should be “avoided”.
Places of worship in England are not due to reopen until 4 July at the earliest, but buildings may open for private prayer from 13 June.
Last month, a poll conducted for the National Churches Trust revealed that half of UK adults support the reopening of church buildings earlier than July, if social distancing is maintained.
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