This year’s Good Friday Walk of Witness, an event organised by the Elstree and Borehamwood Christian Council (EBCC) is cancelled. Carole Layne, EBCC secretary, writes:

“In light of developments worldwide over the last few weeks and, in particular, Boris Johnson’s briefing on 16 March, it is evident that the Good Friday Walk and the Praise and Worship event should be cancelled due to escalating concerns around the Coronavirus, Covid-19. In addition, the Bishops have ordered all Church of England churches to be closed for services. Other churches are closing too.

“In the interests of public safety, and in line with local and national authorities and public health advice and WHO guidelines, the emphasis at this time is to minimise exposure to the risk of infection personally and to preserve the health of others (especially seniors and carers) in the community through social distancing and avoiding mass gatherings. The situation is unlikely to improve in the coming weeks and it is certain that the Good Friday Walk would not be approved by the Town Council. Therefore, we are forced to cancel the Walk and the Praise and Worship event.”

The ecumenical event normally sees local Christians parade through Borehamwood on Good Friday. Led by a six foot processional cross, the group would stop at various places through the town to sing hymns and read scriptures, which tell the story of Jesus’ crucifixion.