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‘How can I keep from singing?’ asks the old American hymn. At the moment though, the answer to that question is simple - we can’t. In our churches, chapels and cathedrals, congregational and choral singing is not allowed for fear of spreading the coronavirus. Yet for thousands of years, singing has been an an important part of Jewish and Christian worship, and the desire to sing is deep rooted in the human condition.

In this week’s edition presented by Roy Jenkins, we explore the importance of singing as an expression of faith. While spoken responses are allowed in church, we ask whether singing is being blamed unfairly for spreading the virus. In lockdown many have resorted to the internet to make music to and with others online, and technical imperfections notwithstanding, churches have reached out online too. We consider whether the pandemic might signal a significant and irreversible decline in congregational and choral singing under one roof. Or, has the pandemic brought about a new opportunity to reach people who might not normally be able or want to come to church.