Bishop Sarah, who chairs the Church of England’s Covid Recovery Group, was speaking as new advice was published by the Church of England ahead of Thursday’s change of national rules.
She said: “When the first measures to curb the spread of Covid-19 were introduced in March 2020, few would have imagined that we would still be making adaptations to the way we live our lives – including our worship – almost two years on.
“It has been a very challenging time.
“People have made huge sacrifices to protect one another – not only those they know and love but strangers they might never meet. We’ve learnt again as society something of what it means to love our neighbour, as Jesus taught.
“And it has certainly not been without cost.
“The loneliness and isolation many have experienced; the impact on people’s mental health; the lost jobs and failed businesses and strained relationships must not be overlooked.
@bishopSarahM thanks parishes and the public as Covid-19 measures lift in England.
"As we can begin to look forward with cautious hope, we once again thank those who have done so much to protect us all."
Read more at https://t.co/HqAGk3Fdz5.
— The Church of England (@churchofengland) January 26, 2022