Merton Council has written to faith and belief leaders in the borough to request places of worship to temporarily close.
Cabinet members, Councillor Rebecca Lanning and Councillor Marsie Skeete sent the letter following the government’s decision to reintroduce a national lockdown due to the increase in Covid-19 cases. They also responded after Mayor Sadiq Khan’s warning that the spread of the virus was out of control in the capital and that London’s hospitals were on the cusp of being overwhelmed.
The councillors, in the letter dated 12th January, said: “Current national guidance is for places of worship to remain open, however, given the urgent need to reduce infection rates in London we are now asking places of worship to consider voluntarily closing for a period of time while the number of cases remains dangerously high.
“This is not a request we make lightly as we are deeply aware of the comfort and succour that places of worship provide people, particularly during difficult times.
“We know that many places of worship have already decided to stop collective worship, and we would like to thank them for taking this step. Live-streaming services have been a great source of solace for so many residents during this difficult time, and so we hope these can continue safely by the observation of the Covid-19 safe procedures. We would also like to take this opportunity to express our great thanks on behalf of the borough for the key role that Merton’s faith and belief communities have played in supporting our vulnerable residents during the pandemic.”
They added: “Although we are now in a critical situation, it is important to remember that we are not back to square one. The Covid-19 vaccines are now being rolled out as fast as possible across Merton.”
Speaking to Young Reporter, the Reverend Michael Burns, of Christ Church, West Wimbledon, said: “Clergy didn't actually receive a specific letter from the Council. I had already decided on January 11 after the Mayor of London declared a major emergency that my church should close for public worship. I understand that about 85% of Church of England churches in this area have done the same.”
The Rev Michael Burns said that his parishioners had been supportive of this move and explained that other solutions had been put in place for them.
“Since last Easter we have been either zooming one morning service each Sunday (when we were in previous lockdowns) or zooming our worship from the church for those who were unable to attend in person. A few who cannot zoom have been able to dial in and listen by phone. Last Sunday we had about 100 people joining us on 70 devices.”
Zoom calls have allowed many parishioners to continue their worship. It is likely they have also been a source of positivity from a mental health perspective for many.
Considering the effect of mental health during the latest lockdown, he added: “I think many, especially those who live alone, are finding lack of social contact a big issue. Loneliness and isolation are another factor. Most seem to be well supported by family, friends and neighbours for essential things like shopping. Many are now glad the vaccine is being rolled out. For many families, home schooling is a big pressure, and of course there are those who have now lost their jobs - that is a big concern.”
