Churches: Reopening of Buildings Debate
Full Debate: Read Full DebateDepartment: Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
Viscount Waverley
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Churches: Reopening of Buildings
Viscount Waverley Excerpts(4 years, 3 months ago)
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Lord Greenhalgh
We recognise that the communication could have been better around individual prayer. I think that the guidance was shared with faith leaders in the places of worship round table some days in advance, so when we moved to communal worship, communication improved. However, I note the noble Baroness’s points.
Viscount Waverley (CB) [V]
My Lords, the importance of the message could well do with underlining. Does the Minister agree, without reservation, that the United Kingdom is a multi-religious country and that great care needs to be taken to respect all religions on all occasions, particularly when being referred to in your Lordships’ Chamber? That is equally applicable to churches, mosques and synagogues, to name but a few, for we are all servants of God.
Lord Greenhalgh
My Lords, I wholeheartedly agree, which is why the faith round tables engaged with leaders of all our major faiths and those of the belief groups, recognising the importance of engaging with everyone.