May I urge you please to comply fully with these severe restrictions and not to look for ways around them. Further advice will follow, probably tomorrow, about eg. emergency baptisms and numbers who might attend funerals.

But for now the message is clear:
Please stay at home; Please close your church buildings and keep them closed.

There are to be no more baptisms or weddings for the time being.

Please pray for the mercy and deliverance of God.
Please care for the vulnerable and be gentle with yourself.
Please do what you can, even from home, even while you are separated from family, friends and neighbours, to seek the perfect love which casts out fear, and to invest in relationship and community.

And now may the peace of God, which passes all understanding, keep your hearts and minds in the knowledge and love of God and of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. And the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, be among you and remain with you always. Amen.

+ Pete

The Rt Revd Dr Pete Wilcox
Bishop of Sheffield