Managing Masks in Church

Below you will find information on the following

1. 1) Who needs to be wearing masks in church
2. 2) What we are doing in church to reduce some of the hurdles

1) Who Needs To Be Wearing Masks? 

The following information is based on National Guidelines

Since August 8th, it has been a legal requirement for people to wear masks in places of worship, although exemptions do exist. Therefore in all services and in private prayer, people need to be wearing masks whilst in St Denys Church building. 

As noted, there are however exemptions. You do not need to wear a face mask if you have a legitimate reason not to. Exemptions include:

• -Young children under 11. 
• -Those who are unable to wear a mask due to physical or mental illness or impairment, or disability. 
• -Those for whom wearing a face mask would cause severe distress or risk of injury. 
• -You can also remove it if speaking with someone who relies on lip-reading and clear sound, if they ask you to remove it. 
• -Those who are leading, preaching, presiding or assisting with the service in some way, eg a musician.
• -You can remove your mask when receiving communion. 

2)  What are we doing in church to reduce some of the hurdles?

• -Masks will be available if you have not got one. 
• -Service leaders and preachers are being asked to take into account the discomfort and barriers to communication that might be a challenge to some people. They are being invited to think about the components and pace of the service, and whilst not being to remove all the hurdles, to consider how they can minimise hurdles.
• -After the service, we're encouraging people to gather outside on the grass to chat as masks don't need to be worn.
• -We affirm that if you need lip-reading or clear sound when speaking to someone, then you can ask them to remove their mask whilst inside. They might agree to do this, or together you might agree to continue the conversation outside.

It's a steep learning curve for all of us, so thank you for your patience. 

God is with us in this. 

Sera Rumble

Curate of St Denys