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We’re now into week two of what First Minister Mark Drakeford calls ‘the final lap’ of emerging from the pandemic. Legal limits have gone on the number of people we can meet in our homes, in public places or at events; restrictions on worship have eased, the kinds of gatherings which have been impossible are starting to happen again.

Although they’re still likely to be wearing masks for much of the time, many congregations are at last able to be seeing one another in person. But it’s been eighteen months in which shared worship has largely taken place online. New technology has offered exposure to very different styles of worship, but day-to-day pastoral care and work with children and young people have faced huge difficulties, and many buildings have remained closed.

What have churches learnt through this – and what have they lost? In what ways will this experience help to shape their future? To explore this, Roy Jenkins is joined by:

Father Christopher Hancock, who was Catholic parish priest in Merthyr until he moved to Sunderland nine months ago

Rev Dr Emma Whittick, chaplain at the University of Wales Trinity St David in Lampeter and Carmarthen

Rev Gethin Rhys, Policy officer at Cytûn, Churches Together in Wales

Rev Edwin Counsell, Ministry Area Leader for the Glamorgan Heritage Coast Ministry Area