The latest government and Church of England guidelines state that in order to keep everyone in the country safe, all churches must close. However, having closed doors does not mean that churches can’t still offer support and community in this time of crisis.

The Very Revd Adrian Dorber, Dean of Lichfield says: “It is with a heavy heart that we close our Cathedral during this crisis as a necessary contribution to keeping all of us healthy and safe. This move goes against our established pattern of being open and available for everyone. It is this openness and accessibility that demonstrates the openness and generosity of God’s welcome and love for all people. Yet, when human touch and closeness have become risky and even toxic, it doesn’t mean that God is far away, but that the Church has to find new, creative, and imaginative ways of being available, enabling prayer and worship, and listening carefully to everyone’s needs and questions.” 

Lichfield Cathedral will be keeping its daily patterns of prayer going. Each morning at 8.00 and evening at 17.30 prayers will be offered in the Cathedral for our world, nation, community and those close to us. The Cathedral has provided resources on its website for you to join in prayers and is working on more tools to help people in this time of need. 

The Dean of Lichfield say that our Cathedrals and churches “will be at the heart of local initiatives to serve and meet need. They stand, as they always have done, as silent, but permanent signs of God’s presence alongside us. 

“We’ll be using every means to stay in touch with our communities and for people to feel they can access these places of assurance, delight and inspiration,” he continues.

Lichfield Cathedral will be working in the coming days, weeks and months to find creative and innovative ways of supporting the community as the crisis unfolds. Keep an eye on the website for the latest information: www.lichfield-cathedral.org where you will find resources for worship at home, pastoral support, live streaming services and other news. 

From Lichfield Cathedral: “We recognise these are difficult times, and for many a prolonged period of isolation poses issues both practical and in terms of mental health. If you need any support we are on the end of the phone, give the office a call on 01543 306100 and we'll direct you to the right support.”