• New Prayer and worship FAQ section
• New FAQ What liturgical resources are available? and accompanying documents
• New FAQ Can churches open for individual and private prayer?and accompanying document
• New FAQ How can parishes prepare to re-open buildings? and updated risk assessment in Word format
• Updated FAQ Can Weddings still go ahead? and accompanying document
• Updated FAQ Can Funerals still go ahead? and accompanying document
• Updated FAQ Can Baptisms still go ahead? and accompanying document.

In its update 5 June: Coronavirus (COVID-19) latest, the Diocese of Oxford posted convenient links to the above accompanying documents, extracts of which are reproduced below.

5 June: Coronavirus (COVID-19) latest

The national church has published new guidance in preparation for permission for churches to be open for individual prayer and for occasional office services. The government has not yet given permission for the opening of churches…

…The guidance is below is to help you plan for what you can achieve and appropriate to your local context. As ever, please contact your archdeaconry office with any technical questions or concerns.

New: Planning for when restrictions are lifted

The Church of England has released guidance for weddings, baptisms, funerals and individual private prayer in church. These documents are for planning purposes, to be as prepared as possible for when restrictions are lifted by the Government.

• Advice on personal private prayer
• Advice for conducting baptisms
• Advice for conducting weddings
• Advice for conducting funerals

New: Liturgical resources

• Re-entering our church buildings
• Prayers of Lament, Thanksgiving and Restoration
• Remembering and memorials

Updated: Nurseries / early years provision in churches

As of 1 June, places of worship may open for early years childcare provided by a person registered on the Early Years Register under Part 3 of the Childcare Act 2006. For more information see the DfE website. As previously advised, early Years provision in church halls or other buildings not designated places of worship is also permitted, subject to the same rules as other school and nursery settings. This guidance does not extend to informal groups and it is too early for us to provide any guidance or information concerning church summer holiday clubs.

Updated: Briefing note, UK government financial measures

The latest revision of this briefing note includes very important updates regarding furloughing. In particular, anyone being furloughed must be placed on furlough by 10 June 2020.

Updated: Central Council of Church Bell Ringers guidance

When we ring again – preliminary preparations has been issued by the CCCBR. Please share this link with Tower Captains and other interested parties.