Coronavirus Task Group Bulletin No 33 – Thursday 10 December

To all clergy in the Diocese of Southwark, copied to Lay Ministers, Parish Secretaries, Churchwardens, Deanery Lay Chairs and Deanery Secretaries
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
News that the COVID-19 vaccine is being rolled out this week is good news indeed. It is wonderful to see that Croydon University Hospital, right here in our Diocese, was one of the first hospitals to administer the vaccine. We are also hearing news of church halls across the Diocese being used as vaccination centres. This is a great example of what partnership working looks like as we start to return to a greater degree of normality than we ever thought possible.
The Church of England has provided some useful information should you want to open your church hall to becoming a vaccination centre: https://www.churchofengland.org/sites/default/files/2020-12/COVID%2019%20Churches%20as%20vaccination%20centres%20v1.0.pdf
And here is a link with information about the vaccine: https://www.churchofengland.org/sites/default/files/2020-12/COVID%2019%20Vaccines%20update%20v1.0.pdf
You can also find these documents attached.
- Bible Study
Bible studies are not categorised as a support group and therefore cannot meet. We encourage people, where possible, to continue to meet virtually.
- Pastoral visits and giving Holy Communion at home
The Government guidelines for all three tiers permit pastoral visits, particularly when ministering to the sick and dying. All care and necessary precautions should be taken especially when administering the host and anointing, including sanitising hands. Please remember to wear a mask especially when in close proximity with others.
You can find more information below:
- Visiting: https://www.churchofengland.org/sites/default/files/2020-12/Advice%20on%20pastoral%20support%20in%20the%20community%20including%20care%20homes%20v2.0.pdf
- Holy Communion: https://www.churchofengland.org/sites/default/files/2020-12/COVID-19%20Advice%20on%20the%20Administration%20of%20Holy%20Communion%20v5.2_1.pdf
Both documents are attached.
The Coronavirus Task Group
(Bishop Christopher, the Very Revd Andrew Nunn, the Venerable Alastair Cutting, Ruth Martin and Sophia Jones)
Sophia Jones
Director of Communications
Trinity House
4 Chapel Court
Borough High Street
London SE1 1HW
Tel: 0207 939 9436
Mob: 07831694021
The South London Church Fund & Southwark Diocesan Board of Finance, Trinity House, 4 Chapel Court, Borough High Street, London SE1 1HW.
Tel: 020 7939 9400/ fax: 020 7939 9468