Chaplain Takes Archbishop of Canterbury to Court

Church of England chaplain takes Archbishop of Canterbury to court over 'unsafe' Covid rules

A Church of England chaplain is taking the Archbishop of Canterbury to court over Covid rules that he claims are "unsafe" and "unlawful".

Canon Andrew Goddard, who is chaplain to the Bishop of Ebbsfleet, has launched a legal challenge against the Archbishops' Council of the Church of England over its guidance on face coverings and social distancing in churches.

Goddard argues that the guidance is "irrational" and "discriminatory" because it does not take into account the fact that churches are well-ventilated and that the risk of transmission of Covid-19 is lower in churches than in other indoor settings.

Legal case over Covid rules

The legal case is due to be heard in the High Court in London on 15 March.

The Archbishop of Canterbury's office said that it would not be commenting on the case while it is ongoing.

This is a developing story and we will bring you more updates as they become available.