O Come All Ye Vaccinated Faithful

 

Durham Cathedral is demanding Covid passes from worshippers – in defiance of official Church of England guidance. 

Those attending Christmas services will need to show proof either that they are vaccinated, have tested negative within the previous 48 hours or have recovered from the virus. 

The move has sparked anger amid claims that it is 'profoundly at odds' with the spirit of the festive season. 

In its Covid guidance, the Church says it has 'a clear policy of encouraging people to be vaccinated, but, other than in very exceptional circumstances, [it is opposed] to limiting access to church services or organisations on the basis of vaccine certification'.

It adds: 'Such an approach would run contrary to the principle of the Church being a home and a refuge for all.' 

But authorities at the 928-year-old cathedral – which is the seat of the Bishop of Durham, Paul Butler – said they have 'taken a cautious approach to the Covid-19 restrictions from the start of the pandemic and we're continuing to keep measures in place to minimise risk and reduce the pressure on our NHS services'.  (more...)

O Come All Ye Vaccinated Faithful: Durham Cathedral is demanding Covid passes from worshippers in defiance of official Church of England guidance