The Advisory Group on the Reopening of Churches, established for the Scottish Episcopal Church, expects to publish guidance early next week in relation to Phase 3 of the Scottish Government Route Map out of lockdown.

When it is available, the Phase 3 Guidance will be emailed to clergy, lay readers, vestry secretaries and diocesan secretaries. It will also be posted here on the provincial website, and highlighted on provincial social media channels Facebook and Twitter.

The new guidance will be introduced by a message from the College of Bishops on the good news brought by the possibility of returning to worship in churches and sharing the Eucharist together.

The Phase 3 guidance will also be accompanied by a Pro forma Phase 3 Plan for Vestries, and by Pastoral Guidance from the College of Bishops.

An announcement on Phase 3 is expected to be made by the Scottish Government on Thursday 9 July.

Once a clearer indication of Phase 4 is available, the Advisory Group will consider the extent to which further guidance is needed.

Today, the Advisory Group publishes Frequently Asked Questions for SEC churches which have arisen from Phase 2 guidance issued last month. The FAQs can be read here. 

In addition, today’s communication takes the opportunity to highlight Safeguarding for Online Youth Work in the Scottish Episcopal Church: a Practical Guide, which outlines good safeguarding practice for church leaders who are connecting with young people online.

Young people are used to inhabiting online spaces where they work together, play together, share, socialize and develop friendships. During lockdown and in times of social distancing, being in community with our young people means joining them in these online spaces. This is new territory for many adults, who are often unsure of the ground.

There is detailed guidance on the safe use of Zoom, WhatsApp, Facebook and more. You can read these essential guidelines in full on the provincial website here.