Abbey re-opens for services

The Abbey has been a place of worship since the tenth century and has rarely been closed – the last public service before lockdown was on Thursday 19th March. Since then the Abbey community has continued praying for the nation and digital worship has been offered with a weekly podcast.

The Dean of Westminster, the Very Reverend Dr David Hoyle, who will be preaching at the first Sunday Eucharist this weekend said:

The Abbey is one of the landmarks of London, it is the place of royal coronation, national memorial and Commonwealth celebration. It is above all, of course, a church. When we meet there, to give God glory and praise, the Abbey fulfils its destiny, becomes what it should be. We are delighted to be open, at last, for public worship. We will continue to pray for Her Majesty the Queen and her government, for the nation and Commonwealth. Whether you are here with us or not, you can pray with us, but from Sunday as we begin to see one another again we can set aside any thoughts of isolation and be God’s people once again.

The Abbey is carefully following government guidelines for social distancing measures so services will be shorter than usual and with no choir or congregational singing. The Abbey’s magnificent Harrison & Harrison organ will be played though by the Abbey’s resident organists at many services.

Given the need to ensure the safety of all those attending the Abbey may not be able to accommodate everyone who wishes to attend services. Communion will be offered in one kind (bread only).

See our full service listing for details.