The Archdeacons of Macclesfield and Chester are requesting parishes to take urgent action to put into place the necessary steps to plan for further development of the Coronavirus situation.
The Church of England and the Diocese of Chester have jointly published a document setting out under different headings continuity planning guidance to help ensure the continued mission and ministry of parishes and the maintenance of the critical ongoing business of the parish.
Coronavirus Parish Continuity Plan
Download the Coronavirus Parish Continuity Plan template here.
Once a parish has completed its Continuity Plan, they are requested to email it to their Rural Dean.
Archdeacon Mike Gilbertson says: “The aim of this plan is to ensure as far as possible the continued mission and ministry of parishes, and the maintenance of the critical ongoing business of the parish.
“Please do give this task urgent attention, and when completed, share a copy with your Rural Deans.
“There are many unknowns about the development of the virus, but the Government has indicated that the situation is set to get worse before it gets better. Anything we can do now, to plan for the coming weeks, will help us in our response to people most in need in our communities.
“Thank you for all that you are doing to care and pray for people in your parish and pleased be assured of my ongoing prayers.”
The Diocese of Chester is following advice from the Church of England and Public Health England and will continue to signpost clergy and church leaders to the latest advice from the Church of England. This guidance is under constant review.