To the People of God in the Diocese of Olympia,
By now you have heard that there is an expectation of a reemergence of the Swine Flu in the next weeks and months. College campuses are already seeing cases. Washington State University has five cases currently. It is difficult to know how to prepare for this, but there are certainly some good guidelines emerging to help us.
Many of the guidelines are common sense, wash your hands often, if you feel sick stay home. Churches might consider making hand sanitizer widely available. For us as a liturgical, gathering community, we may well be faced with some difficult decisions. I would relay to you what Bishop Hampton has already sent to the Diocese of Oregon. I do not think I could say it much better than him so let me simply quote here.
"Over the years I've become aware of the developing practice of communicants dipping their own hosts in the chalice in the belief that this reduces exposure to infection. The information I have read from medical authorities both in The Anglican Church of Canada and The Church of England strongly questions that assumption. In truth, they suggest, the more hands dipping into the chalice, the greater the possibility of infection as the hands are among the greatest carriers of "germs".
One might also question the Exchange of The Peace on similar grounds but I hesitate to sound an alarm at this stage, recalling how quickly many congregations moved to using two chalices when HIV/AIDS virus appeared on our radar screens in the early 1980s, only to discover that AIDS was normally transmitted in other ways.
For now, may I suggest that you encourage folks to follow the wisdom of the governmental authorities on prevention of the spread of this flu and to abandon the practice of individual dipping in the chalice by communicants." I would add that the CDC has shown the same.
If you insist on intinction, it is traditionally done by presenting it to the chalice bearer, to be intincted by him or her. Two further things to consider. The alcohol content in the wine, along with proper purificator use, (which means really using it,) greatly reduces the chances of spread through drinking from the common cup. Second, we believe that receiving the bread and/or wine is full communion. In other words, bread without wine, is considered full communion, and vice versa.
There's historical precedence for receiving "in one kind only", i.e. the bread, which dates from the 3rd century. In the Eucharist, the Body and Blood of Christ are present in each of the consecrated species, and the fullness of communion can be experienced in receiving in "one kind only". Throughout history, the sick have been habitually communicated with one element. For many who have the disease of alcoholism, communion in "one kind only" is the norm. One should not feel diminished by this.
In addition, I have asked several people to attend some specific trainings that have been offered in the area. In the next few weeks we hope to call together a diocesan wide working group to help guide us even further. And finally, keep this all in your prayers. We will be vigilant and in touch.
Blessings, The Rt. Rev. Greg Rickel Bishop of Olympia
Comments