Canberra's church leaders have urged governments to allow people into churches for private prayer and to consider allowing small groups back in.
The head of the Anglican and Catholic churches and the ACT Churches Council have written to ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr, and Catholic Archbishop Christopher Prowse has written separately to Prime Minister Scott Morrison.
"As a first step, we recommend a reopening of churches and places of worship for private prayer," the leaders urged in the letter to Mr Barr.
"This does not constitute a gathering of people. Especially in these stressful times - people do appreciate the possibility of sitting prayerfully in solitude inside a church."
The leaders also urge governments to allow come opportunities for people to gather in small groups at church.
They acknowledge that public church gatherings "may be some time off", but said small numbers of churchgoers would get enormous joy from being able to pray together.
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"Of course, all the necessary requirements of social distancing, hygiene, asking the elderly and sick not to attend, number limits and so on would be strictly adhered to," Archbishop Prowse, Anglican Bishop Mark Short and council chairman David Campbell said in their letter to Mr Barr, describing their proposal as modest.
They also invited government audits.
"It would mean so much to churchgoers in the ACT," they said. "The health and wellbeing of so many would be enhanced by these simple signs of real practical hope."
Earlier this week, Mr Morrison said said he couldn't see large church services being allowed, but "for those seeking private prayer in a place of worship, I can see that happening".
The national cabinet is to decide steps for reopening the economy, including churches and other gatherings, on Friday.
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