The Bishops’ Conference of Scotland has welcomed the announcement by the Scottish Government that from Monday 22 June, churches may reopen for private prayer.
Commenting on the announcement, the President of the Bishops’ Conference, Bishop Hugh Gilbert said; “We welcome the decision to reopen churches and look forward to the gradual resumption of church life, while recognising that not all parishes may be able to reopen immediately. In anticipation of these changes the Bishops’ Conference convened an “Infection Control Working Group” chaired by Sir Harry Burns. This group has published a series of documents which will govern the safe reopening of our parishes.
Bishop Gilbert added; “We hope and pray that the ability to re-enter a church and pray will bring comfort to many and will be the first step on the path to normal liturgical life.”