Scottish churches reopen for communal worship after ‘important’ legal victory

Worshippers have returned to churches in Scotland after a judge ruled coronavirus regulations that forced their closure were unlawful.

Churches were closed for lockdown and only permitted to conduct weddings or funerals – with the number of attendees strictly limited – and broadcast services online.

But a group of 27 church leaders launched a judicial review at the Court of Session arguing Scottish Government ministers acted out-with their powers when ordering the closure of places of worship under emergency legislation.

Judge Lord Braid issued his judgment on Wednesday, finding the Government regulations were unlawful as they disproportionately interfered with the freedom of religion secured in the European Convention on Human Rights.

St Mary’s Catholic Church in the Calton area of Glasgow was among the churches to reopen on Thursday, welcoming worshippers for midday mass.

Canon Tom White was involved in the legal action and he said he was “delighted” at the outcome.