THREE lochside churches near Helensburgh will remain closed for the time being, despite updated Scottish Government guidance allowing kirks to open for private prayer sessions.
Under phase two of the country’s route map out of lockdown places of worship were given the green light to open for private prayer from June 22, as long as physical distancing rules and hygiene safeguards are complied with.
However, St Modan’s Parish Church in Rosneath, Craigrownie Parish Church near Cove, and Garelochhead Parish Church will not be re-opening yet.
Rev Christine Murdoch said: “All three kirk sessions met by video conferencing to discuss the issues involved and agreed that in the interests of safety of those who may wish to attend and those who would be opening the buildings and cleaning afterwards, we would not open at this time.
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“This is not a decision we have taken lightly and it is one which we will continue to review.
“Yet we are very much aware that there is a need for prayer at this time.”
To compensate for the continued closures, ‘prayer railings’ have been created at St Modan’s and Craigrownie Parish Churches, and at Kilcreggan pier, for anyone wishing to take part in a private prayer session.
The latest guidance from the Scottish Government on the easing of lockdown limits says that churches across the country may be allowed to re-open for communal worship later this month if scientific and health advice permits, as part of phase three of the country’s route out of lockdown.
However, at present the government’s position is that that re-opening – if it happens – won’t happen before Thursday, July 23.
In the meantime visit lochsidechurches.org.uk for more information on online services.
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