Churches asked to stop sharing wine during swine flu pandemic

The Bishop of Manchester, the Rt Revd Nigel McCulloch

Churches are being asked to stop sharing wine during communion, to help curb the spread of swine flu.

The Bishop of Manchester today (Thursday 23 July) announced the advice to churches across the region, including Rochdale.

He is also encouraging clergy and congregations to use alcohol hand gel during worship. The measures are contained in an advice pack sent to clergy on 23rd July 2009.

The Church of England in Greater Manchester has been monitoring the emerging flu pandemic over the past three months. The Bishop of Middleton has led a group that is monitoring national, regional and local conditions and is liaising with health authorities and statutory bodies.

Reverend Lars Ruden, of Christ Church, Healey, said he will leave it to the congregation to decide. He said: “It makes sense to do so. But I think the issue of swine flu has been blown out of proportion, so the best thing to do is leave it for the congregation to make their own decision on whether or not to share a cup.”

The Bishop of Manchester, the Rt Revd Nigel McCulloch, said; “Swine Flu continues to be a mild disease for the vast majority of people and we pray that will continue to be the case.

"Today I have asked clergy to make changes to worship in their churches and start using hand gel. I am confident that if our advice is followed then we will have played our part in helping to reduce the risk of pandemic flu in church.”

Father Paul Daly from St Joseph’s RC Church, Heywood, said the Roman Catholic authority has not yet given any advice.

He added: “until advice is given we will continue communion as normal.

“However I know the possible advice is to stop shaking hands and giving the sign of peace, and not to share the same cup and not to receive communion directly on the tongue.”