The Government has removed most coronavirus legislation and continues to promote guidance that emphasises the personal and corporate responsibility of individuals and organisations to protect others and themselves. The circumstances in each parish will inform local decision-making and the support links above are there to guide you. Supporting Clinically Extremely Vulnerable (CEV) People Churches need to consider how best to support members of the congregation and community who remain clinically extremely vulnerable (CEV) and those who are anxious about the lifting of restrictions. It is important that no one feels compelled to do anything that will put them at undue risk. The practice of Spiritual Communion and attending services online is perfectly acceptable in the current context. Where appropriate, a pastoral conversation with individuals to understand their specific circumstances and concerns may be helpful. For information, Government guidance for people who are clinically extremely vulnerable can be found here. This guidance notes the risk of catching or passing on Covid-19 is generally higher:
It is worth considering these three factors when making local decisions about the provision for CEV people in your worship and other activities. CEV lay ministers, church officers and PCC members should discuss with their incumbent ways to best meet their needs and circumstances to allow them to continue to fulfil their roles in a safe way. This may include, for example, continuing to hold meetings online, a combination of online and in-person or holding meetings outside. A discrete conversation between the incumbent and those concerned is encouraged to find an effective way to mitigate any risk. Clergy who have concerns for themselves or a member of their household should contact their Archdeacon to discuss the best way to proceed. What to do if informed of confirmed cases?When you are informed of more than one confirmed case with symptoms dating within 14 days of each other, please follow the Action Card guidance and make Public Health aware:
PHE East of England Health Protection Team: Phone: 0300 303 8537 (option 1) Emails: EastofEnglandHPT@phe.gov.uk and phe.EoEHPT@nhs.net If you have to isolate:
Parish FinancesEcclesiastical Fundraising support materials Ecclesiastical have produced a useful guide on fundraising for churches during COVID-19 which you may find useful. Guide | Weblink Parish Buying resources Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and cleaning supplies suitable for post Covid-19 opening are now available please click here. Please remember it is good practice to compare prices before purchasing. Generous giving The work of our church is reliant on people’s generosity, a generosity that is a hallmark of a lived-out faith and a testament to it. Encouraging giving in a parish can feel daunting, but it need not be so. There is a new simple tool available by the Church of England digital team. This personalised giving video can set the right climate for people to review their giving and levels of generosity. There is a short and longer video which could be used on your A Church Near You page or edited into during your streamed or pre-record service. Visit www.achurchnearyou.com to find the resource. Parish Resources | Weblink For more information please visit: Stewardship | Weblink Funding opportunitiesFor the latest funding opportunities please visit: Current fundraising opportunities | weblink Bell ringingInformation is updated regularly please visit the Central Council of Church Bell Ringers website here for the most up to date guidance. Care of Church BuildingsLead theft - The Suffolk police have recently re-issued their guidance for churches and this can be found here. In addition, please encourage neighbours to keep an eye on the church building and make sure the contact details of the churchwarden are displayed. Lead theft | weblink Faculty rules - don't forget that the new faculty rules took effect from 1 April. An evolution rather than a revolution and the good news is that more work can be done under List B than before and there is an increase in the number of items that don’t need any permission at all (List A). The new Lists are available here. You are encouraged to use the online faculty system (OFS) for your List B and faculty applications. All faculties via OFS will be charged at £200, paper-based applications will incur a fee of £250. Broadband in churches | Weblink SafeguardingIf your church/cathedral is taking responsibility for organising a volunteering service (rather than people helping neighbours or family as private citizens), then you must follow usual safeguarding policies, procedures and practice guidance. This page on the Church of England website includes a various links to COVID-19 Safeguarding guidance and factsheets. Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) renewals must still take place when required. The DBS has provided updated information regarding identity checks in light of COVID-19 available here. Safeguarding training | Weblink Scamming Please note that the Local Government Association (LGA) has warned of strangers and cold callers trying to exploit the elderly and vulnerable while we all try to meet the challenge of COVID-19. We must be alert, support our communities and ensure our outreach and ministry continues to be compassionate and safe.
A prayer for all those affected by coronavirusKeep us, good Lord,
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