Services resume at places of worship in Falkirk district

Places of worship are from today (Wednesday) able to welcome members of their congregation back for services and ceremonies.

It is the first time congregational gatherings have been allowed to take place in the venues since March.

Recently all places of worship were permitted to open for individual prayer and contemplation, but now the Scottish Government’s restrictions on them have eased further.

This morning at Falkirk Islamic Centre Iman Hafiz Sher Muhammad led the first congregational Farj prayer since lockdown.

Although restrictions are allowing communal worship, there are still rules on social distancing and numbers in attendance in place.

Worshippers must maintain social distancing of two metres from people from other households and attendance will be limited to 50, or 20 in the case of weddings or funerals.

Contact details will also be required for contact tracing if necessary, and there will be no shared items such as hymnals and prayer mats.

Faith leaders are expected to take all reasonable measures to adapt their rites and rituals to ensure the safety of their congregations, while singing, chanting and playing of wind instruments is also not recommended until further scientific research on the risk of virus transmission is published.

Aileen Campbell, the Scottish Government’s communities secretary said: “I know it has been very difficult for our faith communities to be unable to come together in their places of worship during such challenging times. This was, of course, necessary due to the pandemic and I would like to thank everyone for their understanding and patience.

“We have continued to engage closely with and listen to our faith communities throughout this period and we understand the important role of congregational worship in supporting spiritual wellbeing.

“The updated guidance reflects the evolving scientific and health advice and has been developed in consultation with leaders and representatives of Scotland’s faith and belief communities.”

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