Wakefield Cathedral closes for public worship during lockdown amid fears about new strain of coronavirus

Current government guidance allows places of worship, including Cathedrals, to remain open for private and communal worship during lockdown, provided that strict social distancing measures are adhered to.

But staff at Wakefield Cathedral have now confirmed that the building will no longer be open for public worship, following advice from the district's public health team.

However, it will remain open for private prayer between 11am and 2pm.

In an update to members of the cathedral community, The Very Revd Simon Cowling, Dean of Wakefield, said: "Although public worship is still permitted under the latest pandemic regulations, the Director of Public Health in Wakefield has written to all faith leaders in the District with a request for us to consider voluntary closure of our buildings for public worship.

"This request is made in the light of the dangers posed by the new variant of the Covid-19 virus with its increased transmissibility.

"I am very keen for the cathedral to be seen to be acting responsibly and in partnership with the health authorities, so we have taken the decision to close the cathedral for public worship. The cathedral nave will continue to be open for private prayer from 11.00 - 14.00.

"I find these words from St Paul’s Letter to the Philippians helpful, and hope you will too: Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Phil 4.6-8)

"Please pray for the staff and clergy of the cathedral, as we will pray for you."

It comes after health chiefs raised concerns about the spread of a new variant of the virus in West Yorkshire and Wakefield, with warnings that rates of Covid-19 risked "spiralling out of control" if people did not take steps to slow the spread of the virus.