Church in move to prevent flu spread
Friday 24th July 2009, 2:56PM BST.
No more shaking hands for churchgoers. Picture by Richard Wainwright (00750362)
CHURCHES in Jersey are introducing emergency measures to ensure that only the word of God – and not swine flu – is spread during Holy Communion.
The new hygiene rules, being implemented by the Catholic Church and the Church of England, are designed to reduce the risk of a mass summer outbreak of the virus.
They are being introduced following advice from the Catholic Diocese of Portsmouth and the Archbishops of Canterbury and York. Churches across Britain are also introducing the new regulations.
From this weekend, Catholic churchgoers in Jersey will be asked not to shake hands during the sign of peace and instead place their own hands together, turn to their neighbours and say: ‘Peace be with you.’
So far, 50 Islanders have been affected by swine flu since the virus spread to Jersey in June. A flu helpline is available on 445566 between 8.30 am and 5.30 pm from Monday to Friday.
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Every little helps, but what about missing church for a few weeks. I’m sure God won’t mind if people pray direct for a while! I mean, even at the best of times, there’s always a lot of coughing going on at the back of the church! But well done anyway Vicar/Father!
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Surely whether someone catches Swine Flu or not is for God and God alone to decide. Therefore arn’t preventitive measures futile?
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If there was a god, there wouldn’t be swine flu.
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There maybe no god for some of us, but a little respect for the beliefs of others doesn’t hurt. Thank God that the Vicars/Priests are doing their bit…if there is a god to thank.
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So much for faith in religon
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Come now, Bernard.
You must know that God loves all his creatures – including bacteria and viruses.
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I know a lot of churchgoers who’d need to see the church doors locked and bolted before they’d even think about giving up their Sunday service! That’s why I hinted that the vicars and priests should be more forthright and tell their brethren simply not to come to church in the event of an swine flu epidemic. By the way, I’m an explicit atheist but I have total respect for the religious beliefs of others.
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Maybe they could close the church for a few weekends all together and these guys might mind something useful to do with there Sundays?
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What about drinking (wine) from the same cup at the communion?
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