On 23 November, Prime Minister Boris Johnson, confirmed that churches in England will be able to open for worship from 3 December.
The decision follows a joint call from over 70 MPs and peers to lift the ban on religious services.
Catholic Union Head of Public Affairs, James Somerville-Meikle comments: “We warmly welcome the decision to allow public worship in England to return. There was never any evidence to justify banning religious services, and the decision caused hardship to millions of people across the country. We are glad the Government has listened to the voices of faith groups and has moved to restore one of our fundamental freedoms.
“Allowing churches to open next month will help bring comfort and joy to people’s lives, but this will still be a hugely difficult Christmas for many people. For those families who are grieving, for people worried about their jobs or businesses, and those who face the prospect of being alone this Christmas. These pains will not be solved quickly or simply by opening churches again.
“We ask the Government to focus not just on saving lives, but on making life worth living, as well as upholding the fundamental rights and dignity of each and every person as this pandemic continues.”