The second wave of the COVID-19 global pandemic has caused some disruptions in some activities in the United Kingdom. In Scotland, churches have been told to temporarily close down in a bid to spread the virus. However, churches whose broadcast services are done from their church building are free to open. This new law affects every area of the mainland and it is expected to last for about two weeks. This law means that many Christians in Scotland have to hold on for a while from physical gatherings.
In North Ireland, Wales and England, churches are allowed to worship while observing social distancing. Nevertheless, there is news of a possible adjustment in the law in Wales this week. In addition, there are exemptions to weddings and funerals as they are permitted to hold. However, the attendance is between five to twenty persons.
In some other areas in the United Kingdom like Orkney, Shetland, churches are allowed to operate. However, they are to observe social distancing and the number of persons in attendance should not be more than 50.
With the recent development, The Christian Institutes Deputy Director for Communications, Ciarán Kelly, said: "It's good to see that, with the right precautions in place, church buildings in England can stay open. It is very disappointing and difficult to understand why the same provisions have not been made for Scotland."
Also, former Moderator of the Free Church of Scotland who now lives in Australia, David Robertson, said on social media: "Closing churches and locking down is a blunt instrument that will do a great deal of harm especially to the poor, elderly and children."
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