The Church of England has issued new guidance that means weddings should be limited to a maximum of five people including the bride and groom. This is in accordance with government advice on social distancing in an effort to stop the spread of coronavirus (Covid-19).
According to the new rules, the church is following the legal minimum of five people – the priest, marrying partners and two witnesses. Apart from the couple themselves, everyone else should observe a social distance as far as possible – with government guidance saying 6 feet minimum. With this in mind, couples have been advised to ‘stream’ their ceremony to friends and family.
With many weddings being cancelled in the light of ongoing events, the church has said they will still allow weddings to go ahead but are happy to help couples rearrange given the new rules. Similar measures are also being implemented for baptisms, with numbers restricted to the child, their parents or carers and godparents – as well as the minister.
‘Couples and parents, friends and families will have been planning for months, even years for their special moment, whether a wedding or a christening,’ said Dr David Walker, the Bishop of Manchester. ‘Now it can go ahead - but with only the minimum required in attendance. You may need to cancel or postpone. Whatever decision is made, God's love and blessing will still surround all those who would have been there that day.'
This announcement comes after Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced on Monday that everyone should practice social-distancing, which means no gatherings of family and friends, working from home and avoiding travelling - as well as whole households staying in isolation if one person becomes ill.
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