Durham Cathedral is demanding Covid passes from worshippers – in defiance of official Church of England guidance.
Participants in Christmas services must show documentation that they were vaccinated and have not tested positive for the virus within the last 48 hours.
The anger generated by the decision has been sparked by claims it’s ‘profoundly against’ the spirit and celebrations of the holiday season.
According to the Covid guidelines, the Church states that its policy is “to encourage vaccinations, except in exceptional situations.” [it is opposed]to restrict access to religious services or organizations on the grounds of vaccination certification.
Durham Cathedral is demanding Covid passes from worshippers – in defiance of official Church of England guidance. Pictured: The Bishop of Durham, The Right Reverend Paul Butler
The Church is a sanctuary for all.
But authorities at the 928-year-old cathedral – which is the seat of the Bishop of Durham, Paul Butler – said they have ‘taken a cautious approach to the Covid-19 restrictions from the start of the pandemic and we’re continuing to keep measures in place to minimise risk and reduce the pressure on our NHS services’.
An estimated 80 percent of their festive services require a Covid card.
Boris Johnson received an open letter from Rev Jamie Franklin. It was signed by 1,000 leaders of churches. He described vaccination passports as a “fundamental betrayal” of Christian faith.
This has caused anger, with some claiming that the move is against the spirit of Christmas (File photo)
He explained that Christmas is the time to remember God’s generosity in being with the needy, the marginalized and the vulnerable.
“The Christmas message is at war with the decision to exclude a section of society from church because they are considered unclean or dangerous”
Jodie Beck of the civil rights organization Liberty said that “Durham Cathedral shouldn’t be arbitrarily setting rules that impact how people can access services.”
The Church of England stated that they would not comment on Durham Cathedral.