Vicar urges Hemel residents to call on MP to oppose ban on worship during lockdown

MPs are expected to vote for the measures on Wednesday
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The Vicar of Boxmoor is urging residents in Hemel Hempstead to write to their MP ahead of lockdown legislation to prevent a worship service ban.

The Reverend Michael Macey has asked residents to contact Sir Mike Penning asking him to vote to stop the ban on public worship.

The government has said that the new lockdown measures coming into effect from Thursday will ban worship services in England.

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MPs are expected to vote for the measures on Wednesday. Sir Mike Penning has already vowed to keep his word by refusing to vote for new lockdown - read the full story.There is still time for MPs to amend the legislation to allow churches to continue their worship services.

And in a newsletter from The Reverend Michael Macey it says: "The government is intending to keep schools, colleges and universities open - which spread the virus much more than church services.

"It's even keeping support groups for 'people facing issues relating to their sexuality or gender' open. Many businesses, even garden centres, will remain open through the lockdown.

"Churches and church attendees have been extremely Covid-compliant. We have not seen any report of churches being reckless in disregarding law or guidance, nor have we heard of a single outbreak at a church.

"Closing community centres and churches is projected by scientists to lower 'R' by 0.1 at most. This ban will likely make no discernable difference in fighting the virus - particularly as many churches will voluntarily close, or have even fewer worshippers.

"We are not aware of any significant Covid-clusters being spread through church services.

"No one wants this. And there's still time to avoid it.

"Please contact your MP as soon as possible, asking them to use their voice to protect worship services and to amend the legislation to allow worship services.

"Not every church will want or be able to open. That's entirely up to the church and its leaders - and in some cases the venue they hire. The important principle is that the decision is made by churches, not the state."