Co-op Funeralcare welcomes gradual opening of church buildings for funerals in Peterborough

Co-op Funeralcare has welcomed the Government’s announcement that places of worship in the county can reopen for prayer and services from July 4.

The announcement follows a gradual reopening of places of worship for private prayer from June 15 while adhering to physical social distancing rules.

The Church of England and the Catholic Bishops Conference of England and Wales have released guidance on reopening its places of worship across the region for funerals, for the first time in three months.

With coronavirus deaths reaching 45,000 in the UK, and an estimated 40 mourners per-funeral left unable to pay their last respects, Co-op is encouraging all faiths to follow suit and begin to accept funerals again.

David Collingwood, director of funerals, Co-op Funeralcare, said: “The latest government announcement and news that the Church of England and Catholic Church have released guidance on reopening funeral services is welcome. We hope that other denominations across Eastern England will start to follow suit and take this approach too.

“It has been a time of great loss for our communities across the region and sadly we know first-hand that for thousands of families, the restrictions on funeral services have further compounded their grief.

“We know that reopening for funeral services isn’t straightforward and are committed to working closely with all faiths in the coming weeks. By sharing our expertise in conducting funerals safely during the lockdown, we hope that more families will start to have the opportunity to say goodbye to their loved ones in the way they wish and to properly grieve.”

For more information on Co-op’s advice regarding coronavirus, visit here