CONGREGATIONS are facing a “new normal” as they return to communal worship amid the coronavirus outbreak.
Services and prayer can take place in sacred spaces once again as of yesterday – but physical distancing must be adhered to and there will also be restrictions on numbers, singing and chanting.
Places of worship closed when the country went into lockdown in March, and have more recently only been allowed to re-open for private prayer.
Peter Kearney, director of the Scottish Catholic Media Office, said congregations will welcome the return of Mass, but highlighted how parishes are preparing for the so-called new normal.
One of the changes is introducing booking systems, including through apps such as Eventbrite, for such services due to a maximum of 50 people being allowed.
He said: “The suggestion will be that if you book to go this coming Sunday you miss the following one to allow as many people as possible to get back.
“Live-streaming has definitely been a comfort but it hasn’t been a replacement.”
Measures taken to ensure safety include limits on congregation numbers, extensive cleaning and social distancing.
The Church of Scotland has issued guidance to ministers and congregations to consider if they should open their building at this stage in the pandemic. It has also recommended exploring alternative ways of providing music rather than communal hymn singing.
A spokesman said: “We recognise that for many the buildings themselves are important sacred spaces and the opportunity to return to their place of worship, even on a limited basis, will bring spiritual and mental health benefits.
“We have prepared guidance to help ministers and congregations as they carefully consider if they should open their church building at this point as we continue to live with the threat of coronavirus.
“Decisions will be based on individual circumstances and physical distancing, hand hygiene, enhanced cleaning and disinfection will have to be embraced to ensure worship, funerals and weddings can safely take place.”
Charandeep Singh, executive director at Sikhs in Scotland, said: “Although gurdwaras have remained closed through the lockdown period they have been at the heart of providing lifeline services including hot meals, food parcels, online prayers and welfare support.
“We are pleased that gurdwaras and places of worship can re-open for communal worship and welcome the community back once again.
“This has been a challenging time for everyone and the restarting of communal services will boost the morale and wellbeing of worshippers across the country.”
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