England’s top prelate says it is “now time” to open churches in the country. The United Kingdom went into lockdown on March 23 to stem the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus, and all churches in the country was closed, even for private prayer.

The four parts of the UK – England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland – are in charge of lifting lockdown measures, and Northern Ireland has already opened churches for private prayer.

Beginning June 1, England has eased restrictions on people’s movements, and up to six people will be able to meet in outdoor areas, including private yards and gardens, as long as social distancing measures are observed.

Now, outdoor markets and car showrooms will be allowed to open. The government has also announced all non-essential shops will be allowed to open on June 15. However, as it stands, churches will not be allowed to open their doors until July at the earliest.

In his Pentecost homily Cardinal Vincent Nichols, who is the president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales, said the announcement that markets and shops can start to open “questions directly the reasons why our churches remain closed.”

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