Religious leaders launch legal challenge against closure of churches for public worship during Covid lockdown
- Church leaders claim worship restrictions breach Article 9 of Human Rights Act
- More than 100 are seeking a judicial review of the lockdown closure of churches
- They are also challenging the Welsh government’s similar ban during firebreak
Religious leaders have launched a legal challenge against the closure of churches for public worship during the lockdown.
A group of more than 100 are seeking a judicial review of the UK Government’s decision to ban churchgoers from worshipping together in England.
They are also challenging the Welsh government’s similar ban during its 17-day firebreak, which ended earlier this month.
Religious leaders have launched a legal challenge against the closure of churches for public worship during the lockdown [File photo]
The legal challenge is being led by Pastor Ade Omooba, co-founder of the campaign group Christian Concern
The church leaders claim the restrictions on public worship breach Article 9 of the Human Rights Act on freedom to express religious beliefs.
They also suggest the Government failed to ascertain how much of a risk public collective worship would pose.
The legal challenge is being led by Pastor Ade Omooba, co-founder of the campaign group Christian Concern.
‘We have been left with no alternative but to pursue a judicial review… at this significant moment for the freedom to worship in church,’ he said.
‘We call on the Government to recognise the vital importance of church ministry and the principle of church autonomy.’