September 17, 2020 - 862 views
Clwyd West MS Darren Millar has called on the Welsh Government to lift the current COVID-19 restrictions in relation to worship in churches and to allow congregations to sing again.
Challenging the Deputy Minister, Jane Hutt MS, in the Welsh Parliament yesterday, Mr. Millar said he has been contacted by members of various faith communities regarding the current restrictions on worship and the impact they are having, and asked the Welsh Government to reconsider them in light of new research which suggests that singing is no more likely to spread coronavirus than talking.
He said: “One of the issues that has been raised with me by members of various faith communities, but particularly the Christian community, is the impact of the restrictions on the ability to worship through song in our churches at the moment, for congregational singing.
“I don't know whether you are familiar with recent research, which was published by the University of Bristol, which seems to suggest that singing doesn't produce substantially more respiratory particles than speaking at a similar volume. Therefore, will you look again at the current coronavirus restrictions in relation to worship in churches, and the ability of congregations to sing as part of their worship, and consider that piece of research in order to assist your decision?”
The Deputy Minister’s response was hopeful.
She said: ”I am very well aware that music and singing are an important part of services and ceremonies. It's greatly missed, and we're actively looking at this, based on scientific advice again, and the guidance from the task and finish and ceremonies group. I hope we'll able to make further announcements.”
Mr. Millar added: “I am pleased that the Deputy Minister recognises the importance of congregational singing and is looking into this. Singing is an integral part of Christian worship and is important to other faiths too so the sooner we can have it back in our lives, the better.”
