Bishop John recommends temporary suspension of the chalice

The Archbishops of Canterbury and York have issued the following Pastoral Letter concerning the use of the Chalice at services of Holy Communion.

In the light of this letter and the advice from the Department of Health, we feel that the situation is now so serious that the Administration of the chalice should be suspended throughout the diocese for the duration of the current pandemic.

The advice stands that has already been sent out concerning hygiene at the preparation and distribution of Holy Communion and other practical points, and this additional guidance is based on recent developments and the spread of the virus.

Congregation members may need to be assured that receiving communion in one kind in no way diminishes the fullness of Christ’s presence in the sacrament of Holy Communion.

With sincere good wishes as we all work to support our congregations and parishes at this time.

+John Chelmsford

Dear Colleague,

It now seems right to offer guidance at a national level about how the Church of England’s worship might best take into account the interests of public health during the current phase of the swine flu pandemic.

The Department of Health have recently advised us that “in a pandemic it makes good sense to take precautions to limit the spread of disease by not sharing common vessels for food and drink”. In the light of this advice, we recommend those presiding at Holy Communion suspend the administration of the chalice during this wave of pandemic flu. For those who still wish to offer in both kinds, we recommend the practice whereby the presiding minister, whose hands should have been washed with the appropriate alcohol based rub before handling the elements and the vessels, personally intincts all wafers before placing them in the hands of communicants. This is a practice widely observed in Anglican churches throughout Africa. Communicants receiving in this way need to be confident that the clergy and all assistant ministers follow the relevant guidance on hygiene.

The Bishop of Ripon & Leeds circulated substantial guidance, including a summary of the government’s advice, with his letter of 23 June. Many of you have already issued local guidance based upon its content. We regard it as important that those presiding at Holy Communion are aware of this advice and of that contained in this letter. They should offer guidance to the congregation about appropriate precautions in receiving communion and exchanging the peace.

We shall keep this advice under review and will ensure that the detailed guidance provided on the Church of England website is kept up-to-date. In the meantime, wish to express our gratitude to you and those who share your ministry for the pastoral care and service offered at this time of national concern.

+Rowan Cantuar: +Sentamu Ebor:

Bishop John recommends temporary suspension of the chalice

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