In response to the announcement by the Government on Thursday 26 November, regarding the boundaries of Tier restrictions, Bishop James offered a message to the communities served by parishes across the Diocese:
"This will be an anxious time for many as we learn of the tier we move into. In Kent and Medway, this is Tier 3, for the London part of our Diocese, Tier 2. This comes on top of many months of living with restrictions, and we know this has left many feeling tired and dispirited. There has also been loss and sadness.
"Even with the special arrangements over Christmas, restrictions on our meeting together with those close to us will be painful. The message of Christmas, however is about God being with us in all of life.
"Now, as throughout this pandemic, local churches are ready to show this by walking alongside people at this time. Whether that is through providing space for prayer, reflection or worship, both on and offline, or being there for those who are isolated, lonely or vulnerable through a variety of community outreach.
"My prayer then is that, as we enter this time of watching and waiting in Advent, people will find comfort and joy in these encounters and the hope of the Christmas story.”
