Catholic Union calls for evidence on Scottish church closures

Source: Catholic Union

The Catholic Union has called on the Scottish Government to publish evidence for its decision to close places of worship again.

In a letter to Scotland's First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon MSP, the Catholic Union said it was extremely concerned about the decision to close churches for private prayer and worship as part of new lockdown measures in Scotland.

In November last year, the Chief Medical Officer for England, Professor Chris Whitty, said there was no evidence of places of worship contributing to the spread of the virus.

The letter from Catholic Union President, Sir Edward Leigh MP, calls for any evidence of churches contributing to the spread of the virus in Scotland to be presented to the Scottish Parliament.

Under the previous local protection levels in Scotland, people were able to travel to places of worship for private prayer with religious services being limited to a maximum of 50 people. From 5 January, all places of worship in Scotland will once again need to close.

The decision by the Scottish Government is in contrast to the new lockdown measures in England, which will see churches allowed to remain open for private prayer and worship. A letter signed by a cross-party group of MPs and peers called on the Prime Minister to never again stop people from attending religious services.

Catholic Union Head of Public Affairs, James Somerville-Meikle commented: "News of another national lockdown has made these darkest of winter days even darker. This pandemic is continuing to put a huge strain on people's health, family budgets and relationships.

"There is some comfort for people of faith in knowing that socially distanced religious services can continue in England. We are grateful to the Government for listening to people's concerns about previous church closures and giving this clear exemption for places of worship to remain open. There is much to pray for at this difficult time.

"However, the announcement is tinged with sadness that not all parts of UK have recognised the importance of keeping places of worship open. It is extremely regrettable that the Scottish Government has once again moved to close all churches in Scotland.

"Suspending people's right to worship in accordance with their beliefs should not be done lightly. It's vital that evidence is presented to the Scottish Parliament for this decision. Banning religious services must not become an acceptable course of action for any government."

The full letter text follows:

Rt Hon Nicola Sturgeon MSP
Bute House
6 Charlotte Square
Edinburgh, EH2 4DR

4 January 2020

Dear First Minister

These continue to be difficult days for people in all four nations of the United Kingdom in our struggle against coronavirus.

People across the British Isles have shown remarkable resolve, and made enormous sacrifices, in our efforts to control the virus, protect the NHS, and save lives. Catholic churches and charities have been on the frontline in responding to those most in need during this pandemic, and personal faith for many people is helping them through these difficult times.

We are extremely concerned that the Scottish Government has once again moved to close places of worship in Scotland. This is a second time in less than a year that people in Scotland have been banned from attending places of worship. In March last year, Catholics tolerated the closure of their churches in response to a new and unknown virus. We now know significantly more about this virus and how to control it.

Since places of worship were allowed to open again in Scotland, Catholic parishes and individual volunteers have gone to great lengths and given up many hours to make churches safe. The decision to limit capacity in places of worship rather than close them at the start of this second wave of infections was something that was greatly appreciate by Catholics in Scotland. It is a great shame that this provision has been removed under these new measures.

I hope that in closing places of worship, you will be presenting evidence for this decision to the Scottish Parliament in order for people to understand the public health requirement for this action. Freedom to worship in accordance with religious belief is one of the most fundamental and most precious freedoms we enjoy. Interference or suspension with this right should not be done lightly.

As you know, Article 9 of the European Convention on Human Rights prohibits governments interfering with religious practice, except where the restriction is "necessary in a democratic society in the interests of public safety, for the protection of public order, health or morals, or for the protection of the rights and freedoms of others."

To be lawful, therefore, the Scottish Government must have conducted a specific ECHR compliant proportionality exercise to show that churches are a significant source of spread of the virus. Publishing the evidence base for this decision will help people understand the reason for churches being forced to close, and in helping the Catholic community to keep churches open again in future.

As we continue to battle this devastating virus, it's vital all governments within the United Kingdom seek to maintain public confidence in its measures. This includes proper consideration of the views and interests of the Catholic community in Scotland.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Rt Hon Sir Edward Leigh MP
President, the Catholic Union of Great Britain

LINK

Catholic Union - https://catholicunion.org.uk/