Reproduced from the Christchurch Anglican Diocese E-Life
Following the announcement by the government of restrictions in size of gatherings, the bishops of the Anglican Church in Aotearoa, New Zealand and Polynesia have agreed to issue the same instruction to all clergy and parishes: until further notice, all services of public worship in our churches are suspended from Monday 23 March 2020.
Further directions:
All AGMs not yet held in parishes, from Monday 23 March (or, depending on local decision, including Sunday 22 March) are to be postponed until it is permissible to meet again.
Mid week outreach activities are not subject to the suspension notice above i.e. can go ahead, providing all government requirements for gatherings are met, and local decision makers are confident they can conduct the outreach ministries safely. (This advice is subject to change at short notice by either the government or further determination by church leadership).
Funerals and weddings are in the nature of public services and are subject to the suspension of all services of public worship (unless otherwise advised – we understand the government may yet issue further regulation specific to weddings and funerals.)
All Easter services are included in the suspension of services of public worship.
All parish churches should be kept open in the usual ways that already happen in local contexts for individuals to be able to enter in order to pray.
Livestreaming of services in the Transitional Cathedral this Sunday 22 March is available to all parishioners unable to access a local livestreaming of worship and devotional material led by vicars (go to the Transitional Cathedral Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Chris... )
Dean Lawrence from Sunday 29 March onwards will be leading a livestreamed service of worship available to all from the Cathedral Facebook page,
Local initiatives from your vicars and priests in charge re regular worship via the internet, Bible study materials, pastoral care etc. are being worked on and local communications will take place within parishes.
At liturgy.co.nz Bosco Peters will be providing essential guidance to using A New Zealand Prayer Book (print or online) for praying the daily office, morning, and evening prayer in your own homes.
