For the first time in centuries Devon’s rich heritage of nearly 600 Anglican churches in more than 500 parishes stand locked and deserted on Sunday mornings, with no peals of bells ringing out across the county.
Communal worship is in lockdown and divine service suspended to limit the spread of coronavirus among members of congregations, many of whom are elderly and highly vulnerable to the disease.
Historians believe that not since the Black Death ravaged the countryside between some 700 years ago (1347- 51) has active parish life been so badly affected. But today the miracle of information technology has come to the Church’s aid, allowing the faithful to attend services virtually, keeping clergy and parishioners in contact.
This story is from the May 2020 edition of Devon Life.
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This story is from the May 2020 edition of Devon Life.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
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