Coronavirus: Christians and Muslims put congregational worship on hold to prevent spread of virus

Statements made by both the Archbishop of Cantebury and the Muslim Council of Britain (MCB) have urged worshippers to take ‘extraordinary steps' and worship in their homes, rather than as a congregation.

It comes as the government calls for social distancing – removing all unnecessary forms of physical contact from our lives.

Some Catholic churches in Portsmouth are continuing to stay open, with shorter but more frequent mass services, subject to change.

Archbishop of Cantebury Justin Welby said: ‘Our life is going to be less characterised by attendance at church on Sunday, and more characterised by the prayer and service we offer each day.

‘We may not be able to pray with people in the ways that we are used to, but we can certainly pray for people.

‘This is a defining moment for the Church of England. Are we truly are a church for all, or just the church for ourselves.’

MCB secretary general Harun Khan said: ‘Whether it be at the mosques, particularly Friday prayers, which draw crowds including the elderly, vulnerable and those at high risk, weddings, social events or simple day-to-day activities, it is imperative that this extraordinary step is taken to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our communities, and our country as a whole.

Meanwhile in Portsmouth, Catholic services are carrying on for now, but those in isolation can take part in the services via an online live stream.

The mass services are being made shorter to cut down on social contact.

Mayor of Gosport Cllr Kathleen Jones, who works at St Swithun’s Church in Southsea, said: ‘We're live streaming mass so people can still participate spiritually.

‘There is a wonderful community spirit in churches – everyone is pulling together to help one another and it’s brilliant to see.’

Services at the Guru Nanaksar Gurdwara in Southsea will also be shortened, ending at 1pm rather than 2.30pm.

Khalsa Kris Singh said: ‘The disruption from coronavirus is going to change people's lives.

‘But if anyone from our community – which stretches all over the city – needs to contact us, they can do so on 07850 291867.'