Church Leaders to Challenge UK Government Over Forced Closure

Worshippers queue to enter Westminster Cathedral for Sunday Mass on the first Sunday since CCP virus lockdown restrictions were eased to allow for communal prayer, in London, UK, on July 5, 2020. Daniel Leal-Olivas/AFP via Getty Images

The forced closure of places of worship by the UK government breaks the law, 71 Christian church leaders in England said on Monday. They will seek a judicial review of the measure, which is part of a planned national lockdown, if it is implemented on Thursday.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced on Saturday a second nationwide lockdown for England to stem the spread of CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus, commonly known as novel coronavirus.