Category Archives: Community

Support for The Markaz

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The Barnet Multi Faith Forum (BMFF) together with other partner organisations in Barnet wish to restate our position of support for the planning application submitted by the Markaz el Tathgeef Community located at the Hippodrome, Golders Green.

Despite frustration, delay, and opposition from those seeking to divide communities the trustees and members of the Markaz have unwaveringly reached out to its neighbours with an open-door public policy of events and social action initiatives that have both enhanced community cohesion and the environment.

They have at all times attempted to fulfil all the requirements placed upon them and have maintained their integrity and faith in the planning process which will allow them to continue operating as a place of worship as defined in the original 2007 application. This was the basis on which the premises were originally purchased by the centre’s trustees.

Barnet has a proud and long history of welcoming new neighbours into our borough, who in turn have added to its diversity and prosperity. In our view, the Markaz has already shown its commitment to enhancing the unique character of Golders Green and Barnet and its willingness to play its part in future developments.

We have faith and trust that the planning process will take notice of these positive declarations of support which will aid the building of relationships across communities to make a safer, more caring, Barnet.

To find out more and support The Markaz visit www.loveoverhatebarnet.com

You can send an email of support from the homepage of this website.

Covid-19: Stay safe in Barnet

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How tier restrictions affect places of worship and faith groups

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From today, the national lockdown in England has ended and the country is returning to the Local Restriction, aka Tiers, system. Places of worship are now once again allowed to open for communal worship in all tiers.However, compared to before the lockdown, some changes have been made to which activities are allowed. Please see the table below for a full breakdown of how restrictions apply to faith-related activities in each tier.

If you are unsure which tier of restrictions applies in your area, please check the full list of tiers available on GOV.UK.

What is allowed in each tier of restrictions?

NOTE: Wherever interaction can take place, social distancing of 1m+ should still be strictly maintained between anyone who doesn’t live together or are in a ‘support bubble’.

For more information, please see the updated guidance for places of worship.
Activity Medium (Tier 1) High (Tier 2) Very High (Tier 3)
Opening Places of Worship for communal worship Open for as many people as can be safely accommodated with social distancing measures
Attending Places of Worship for communal prayer Can attend and interact in groups of up to 6 people from different households Can only interact indoors with your own households, but outdoors can interact in groups of up to 6 Can only interact with your own household both indoors and outdoors
Wedding Ceremonies Can take place with up to 15 attendees, all of whom can interact.
Wedding Receptions Can take place with up to 15 attendees, all of whom can interact Can take place with up to 15 attendees, all of whom can interact Cannot take place
Funerals Can take place with up to 30 attendees, all of whom can interact
Commemorative events post-death Can take place with up to 15 attendees, all of whom can interact
Other Standalone Life-Cycle Ceremonies
that do not take place as a part of communal worship		 Can attend and interact in groups of up to 6 people from different households Can only interact indoors with your own households, but outdoors can interact in groups of up to 6 Can only interact with your own household both indoors and outdoors
Supervised Activities for Children
(including Sunday schools, madrassas etc.)		 Can take place with no limit on the number of children permitted to attend, following COVID-Secure guidance. Adults must ensure social distancing at all times.

Is singing allowed?

Singing that involves the congregation is allowed ONLY if it takes place outdoors. Social distancing and any relevant principles laid out in the guidance for the performing arts must also be observed.