Christian leaders have taken legal proceedings against the Welsh Assembly, arguing that closing churches as part of the two-week lockdown is “both unlawful and unnecessary”.

Arguing for the lockdown on Monday, Mark Drakeford, the First Minister of Wales said the NHS would fail unless action was taken but Christians say including the public celebration of religious services is “an extreme interference with Article 9” [of the Human Rights Act].

Churches will not legally be permitted to open their doors to the public from this evening, except for weddings and funerals.

Rev. Peter Greasley, Senior Pastor at Christchurch, Newport, said it is vital for a church that serves on the front lines of a community in need to be able to meet and worship together.

“For 25 years we have served the people of Newport and beyond materially, emotionally and spiritually. We run the Newport Foodbank, which local people need urgently at this time. We also work extensively with social services, the police and the local health board who use our facilities at a reduced cost. If our church is not able to function properly then neither can these important services.”

The letter was also signed by leaders of English churches who are concerned that the forced closure could easily set a precedent in the rest of the UK.