Church services across Falkirk district cancelled

Meetings and other gatherings in church buildings are also being halted due to the coronavirus crisis.

The Catholic church in Scotland is even asking those holding baptisms, funeral Masses and weddings to consider only inviting close family members.

Meanwhile, the Church of Scotland has made an unprecedented call for all its services to “halt until further notice”, including those planned for Easter.

Scotland’s Catholic bishops have announced that with effect from tomorrow, no public Masses will be celebrated in Scotland.

However, priests would continue to celebrate Holy Mass in private, praying for those suffering from Covid-19 and those who care for them. Churches will remain open for personal prayer.

A spokeswoman for the Church of Scotland said: “We are asking that all gatherings for worship should cease until further notice.

“This includes all Easter services. Some Presbyteries have already instructed this action.

“It will still be possible for an individual to offer a live streaming of a sermon and prayers.

A statement said that “sensitive conversations” will need to take place with families and mourners ahead of funeral ceremonies, to “consider the size of groups gathering”.

All Scotland’s churches are invited to join in a National Day of Prayer this Sunday, March 22, Mothering Sunday.