Swine Flu - Temporary Chalice Ban

THE use of the chalice at the service of Holy Communion has been suspended across Essex in line with precautions taken against the outbreak of Swine 'Flu. The Archbishops of Canterbury and York have issued a Pastoral Letter concerning the use of the Chalice at services of Holy Communion.  Read the letter below and the foreword from Bishop John.

 

 

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:

 

The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared a global flu pandemic, by raising the level of alert. This means that the virus is spreading in at least two regions in the world.

 

On the announcement of a Pandemic, the UK’s Health Protection Agency (HPA) operates four levels of alert, which are now in place, and we are currently at Level 3. This indicates “isolated incidences of the virus and advocates individuals to observe good personal and respiratory hygiene and for organisations to begin to implement plans to ensure that core services are maintained should the alert level be increased.”

The Bishop therefore recommends following the good practice recommendations as previously stated:

The UK Department of Health has announced that the management of the Swine Flu Pandemic has changed from the 'Containment' to 'Treatment' phase. This has implications for the churches' response to the pandemic, and we are therefore issuing new directions to all parish clergy on how to respond to the various needs which will arise as a result of this.

1. Churches should continue to take services and conduct business as normal, and use stringent hygiene measures for use with the chalice or common cup: the use of antibacterial gel is recommended before handling the bread and chalices, as well as wiping the chalice with a clean, dry purificator between communicants. There is no immediate need to change this policy. Should Government advice change with a further increase in the level of alert, clergy will be notified, and further advice will be given. Please note that the practice of intinction (dipping the bread in the wine) and giving communion directly onto the tongue are strongly discouraged. These customs increase the possibility of spreading the virus.

2. Clergy are asked to give clear advice (in Sunday Notices, parish magazines etc) to members of their congregation who may be showing flu-like symptoms not to attend church services or other meetings. (Symptoms do not normally last for more than 7-10 days.) Hygiene in church should continue to be taken very seriously, and churches may wish to consider providing bins for used tissues (not the open waste-paper bin type, but a closed top, pedal or swing top bin.) Further information can be found on www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk

3. Some churches have a stoup for holy water near the entrance to the church door, and people are invited to dip a finger in this, and to make the sign of the cross as a reminder of their baptism. The water contained in stoups can easily become a source of infection and a means of rapidly spreading the virus. This practice should be suspended. Holy water stoups should be emptied and cleaned thoroughly, and not used until the pandemic alert is over.

4. The "Flu Friend" (or Flu Buddy") system will provide help for people who have been diagnosed positive for Swine Flu. Parishes are in a unique position to be able to offer help for congregation members and parishioners. The incumbent, parish administrator, or some other suitable person may be able to act as "Flu Friend Co-ordinator" in the parish, and their details could be posted in Parish Magazines, Pewslips, etc. Suitable people may be recruited to fulfil this role. This would mean that if someone receives a positive diagnosis for Swine Flu, they could contact that "Flu Friend Co-ordinator" who could put them in touch with a local "Flu Friend". This person would be able to pick up prescribed medication on their behalf (a voucher or individual code is given when a positive diagnosis is made) and deliver it to them. In some cases, where people live on their own, they may also need some help with shopping. Clear guidance is available for "Flu Friends", but they should be advised not to enter the house, or to have direct contact with the infected person.

5. Pastoral visits and Home Communion for people who have been infected, by clergy or pastoral assistants is strongly discouraged. Contact by telephone, internet, or other means is to be encouraged! The risk of infection is very high, and a priest making a series of pastoral visits could spread infection, as well as being susceptible to becoming infected.

6. Special caution is urged when taking Holy Communion to Residential Homes. If anyone in the community has flu-like symptoms, it may be prudent to give communion in only one kind to the congregation, or those receiving communion in their own rooms. The priest alone should drink wine from the chalice. Congregations may need assurance that in receiving Holy Communion in one kind in no way suggests that they are not receiving the fullness of Christ’s presence in the Sacrament.

7. When a pastoral visit is absolutely necessary - if someone is so ill that they may be close to death, then very great care must be taken to prevent exposure to the virus. The virus is currently perceived as relatively mild, and for most people the symptoms will not be life-threatening, though people who are at high risk, because of a compromised immune system, or other health conditions may be more vulnerable. It must be noted that such people are likely to remain at home, as hospitals will not have the capacity to isolate and care for large numbers of people who are infected with the virus. In these cases clergy visiting infected people should wear personal protection equipment, including sterile gloves, apron, and face mask. If a priest gives communion (host only) without wearing sterile gloves, they should wash carefully with hot water and antibacterial soap immediately afterwards. If a priest anoints someone who has the symptoms of pandemic flu, special precautions should be taken. Never dip your finger back in the oil during the anointing, and do not use the same purificator at separate anointings. It is a good idea to use a swab of cotton wool for each separate anointing, and dispose of it safely afterwards.

It is not our intention at this stage to cause panic, or to exaggerate the seriousness of the situation. The measures outlined above will assist the churches in providing appropriate support in our congregations and parishes, whilst doing all that we are reasonably able to, to combat the spread of the infection.

Do check this website regularly for further updates and current advice.

Visit NHS Choices for current advice: http://www.nhs.uk/AlertsEmergencies/Pages/Pandemicflualert.aspx

Page last edited: 09/09/2009
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