Churches in Wales are “up in arms”
Churches in Wales are “up in arms” after the Government banned organs from being played in case they spread coronavirus.
Darren Millar, the Conservative Welsh Parliament member for Clwyd West, said he was baffled by the “bizarre” organ ban, which has not been imposed in other parts of the UK.
He has written to the Labour-led Welsh government to ask for an explanation of its decision.
Mr Millar said: “As pipe organs do not require the use of human breath, it does seem very odd that places of worship in Wales are prohibited from using them for worship.
“Hopefully, they will come to their senses soon and lift this ridiculous ban. This matter was brought to my attention by a minister in my constituency, who is completely perplexed.
“He told me that church members and organists are up in arms. It was the first I had heard of it. There has been no vote on the issue and I simply cannot understand why it has been imposed.”
Mr Millar said: “As pipe organs do not require the use of human breath it does seem very odd that places of worship in Wales, unlike Scotland, Northern Ireland and England, are prohibited from using them for worship.
“Hopefully, they will come to their senses soon and lift this ridiculous ban.
A Church in Wales spokesman said: “Organs, other than electronic, cannot at this time be played as part of public opening, services, marriages or funerals. We are lobbying for a change in this provision.”
The Welsh Government confirmed its stance on church organs but described it as “guidance”.
A spokesman said: “Singing, chanting, shouting and/or playing of wind instruments and organs that require air to be pushed through the mechanism should be specifically avoided.
“This is because there is a possible additional risk of infection in environments where individuals are singing or chanting as a group.”
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