As you will have heard, sadly the Government's shutdown measures include the cessation of public worship once again from Thursday (5th Nov) onwards. These "lockdown" regulations will be subject to a vote in the House of Commons on Wednesday, with a debate beginning tomorrow.
Here is the statement in full from Cardinal Nichols and Archbishop McMahon (issued on Saturday night) which was mentioned at Masses this morning. The statement challenges the decision to outlaw public worship, demanding that the Government produce evidence to justify the move.
Please take up the Bishops' encouragement to write to your MP now, asking them to oppose the ban on religious services. This can be done easily by visiting this website or by finding their email address here. Most will be in the Richmond (Yorks) constituency. Rishi Sunak MP's email address is: rishi.sunak.mp@parliament.uk. Emails need only be brief, taking just a few minutes. Suggestions of points to include:
- to ask them to demand the Government to produce evidence to justify their decision to ban public worship
- to describe the measures churches have taken in risk reduction
- to emphasise the importance of the Mass to the world and to you personally
- to ask them to oppose the ban
You might like to quote the Bishops' statement to back up your points.
Please keep an eye on the blog for the latest developments.
(Written by Fr Richard)
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