During these extraordinary times practices of the church which have happened for 2000 years have been suspended. These notes are to try to summarise the current situation. This is a risky business, as so much is changing so quickly – consequently whilst I will summarise the situation as at 31/3/2020 I will also include links to Church of England, or Diocesan pages where the latest information may be found.
Communion
People from different households may not gather for any services. Therefore only those households which include a priest can have a communion service. The regulations requiring a second person to be present have been suspended at present. Others watching the service remotely may receive Spiritual Communion.
CofE Guidance: https://www.churchofengland.org/media/20028
Guildford Diocesan Guidance: https://www.cofeguildford.org.uk/docs/default-source/coronavirus/priestly-practice-in-a-pandemic.pdf?sfvrsn=bb330032_0
Baptisms
https://www.churchofengland.org/more/media-centre/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance-churches#na
Emergency baptisms can take place in a hospital or at home, though subject to strict hygiene precautions and physical distancing as far as this is possible. Other Baptisms may not take place.
Funerals
https://www.churchofengland.org/more/media-centre/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance-churches#na
Sadly, funerals may now only happen at the Crematorium or at the graveside.
Memorial Services can be held once the current crisis is resolved.
Weddings
https://www.churchofengland.org/more/media-centre/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance-churches#na
Sadly, there can be no weddings in church buildings until further notice.
Clergy are not permitted to solemnise weddings at other locations.
The Parish of Badshot Lea and Hale 