‘We should have and could have remained open, safely, throughout this crisis’

• I CANNOT help but agree with most of what Des Marshall writes, (In the virus crisis we have been let down by the churches, July 9).

I know that many of the clergy, like myself, felt that we should have and could have remained open, safely, throughout this crisis. Had we been advised, rather than ordered by the government, to close we would have remained open.

We deeply regret that the leadership of the Church of England had not felt able to be more robust with the government and insist that the churches, where possible, would remain open. The impending need was obvious.

However, while there may have been a lack of courage at the top it was not lacking on the ground.

St Anne’s has worked closely with Highgate New Town Community Centre, other local churches, organisations and schools to provide meals on wheels, food parcels and woodworking classes for children throughout this period; and I know that a number of other churches have been doing similar things.

While the buildings may have been forced to close, the church has not been inactive and many of us have been walking the streets for the last three months to knock on the doors of the isolated and bereaved, and speak to the vulnerable.

Happily, a number of us opened for private prayer as soon as we were able and now for public worship.

Finally, I agree again with Mr Marshall, services on Zoom are no substitute for prayer in a sacred space or for the faithful gathered together.

THE REVD FR ANDREW MELDRUM
Vicar, St Anne’s Highgate