From The Catholic Herald:
The closure of Catholic churches during the 2020 lockdown contributed to widespread mental and physical suffering, according to the results of a new study.
The survey carried out by the Catholic Union found 62 per cent of people reporting that their mental and physical wellbeing were adversely effected directly as a result of not being able to go to church.
The poll of 1,000 Catholics also found that 90 per cent believe places of worship should be treated as “essential” services alongside food shops and healthcare facilities in any future pandemic, meaning they would not be forced to close.
Catholic Union president Baroness Hollins of Wimbledon, a former president of the Royal College of Psychiatrists, described the results as “shocking”.
She said: “These results are distressing. They confirm that the lockdown of churches was not only hugely unpopular, but had a real impact on people’s wellbeing.
“The increase in the number of people feeling lonely or depressed as a direct consequence of the closures is particularly shocking.
“It is vital that the Covid inquiry properly considers the decisions to close and reopen churches during the pandemic.
“There is a very strong sense that faith and faith communities were pushed to one side when decisions were made, and this needs to be addressed in the learning from the Inquiry.
She added: “It’s clear from these results that places of worship should never be forced to close again.”
And there’s more on the issue at The Catholic Union of Great Britain’s website.
