From an early stage, we have reported the advice and updates on COVID-19 coronavirus from faith groups, government and others, links to which are included in COVID-19 Coronavirus: legislation and guidance. The following review considers aspects of ecclesiastical law and related provisions which have arisen, directly or indirectly, as a consequence the restrictions imposed by coronavirus-related legislation.

In this Part I, we consider the legislation and regulations in relation to time constraints imposed by ecclesiastical provisions. Part II looks at the impact of closure of churches on Church services, and Part III will consider social distancing and statutory limits on gatherings. Some of the  early concerns are no longer current; nevertheless, these have been included as an indication of the extent to which events during this period were impacted by the ecclesiastical law of the Church of England.

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