Is our church open?
- Atlow: OPEN – daily
- Bradley: OPEN – Saturdays 10am to 5pm
- Hognaston: OPEN – Wednesdays and Saturdays 10am to 5pm
- Hulland: OPEN – Sundays and Wednesdays 9am to 5pm
- Kniveton: OPEN – daily
Below is the latest statement issued by the Diocese of Derby regarding the opening of church buildings. Whilst many people want them to open as soon as possible, there are several obligations that must be met first – not least ensuring people’s safety. Please be patient with us and keep checking back here for the latest updates.
Statement from Derby Diocese:
Statement on individual prayer in churches
Updated Thursday, 11 June 2020, 11.00am
The Government has now revised the date that churches may open for private prayer to 13 June, in guidance just published.
If churches are ready to open earlier than planned, they may of course do so, however many may wish to wait until 15 June or later to do so in line with their existing plans.
Although the guidance allows for places of worship to reopen, as always the decision of how and when to begin the process of doing so for individual private prayer will be taken locally.
In the Diocese of Derby, amongst other things, there is a requirement that any church planning to open for private prayer must complete a risk assessment and have it approved by their archdeacon before opening.
It is also important to note that opening a church for private prayer is not a requirement. Churches should only open if they have the resources and safety measures in place and there will be instances where it is simply not feasible or desirable for a church to open for private prayer.
This information will be updated later today (11 June) when more details become available. Guidance will also be circulated directly to clergy and church officers in tomorrow’s Covid briefing.