A letter from the Archbishops of Canterbury and York issued this evening advises priests to suspend the use of the shared chalice as well as physical contact during the sharing of the peace. The Archbishops are also advising that priests should suspend direct physical contact as part of a blessing or laying on of hands. This does not affect the rite of confirmation which can go ahead without direct physical contact, though there will be no anointing.
“We therefore advise that all priests should: Offer Communion in one kind only to all communicants i.e. the consecrated bread/wafer/host, with the priest alone taking the wine; suspend handshaking or other direct physical contact during the sharing of the peace; suspend direct physical contact as part of a blessing or ‘laying on of hands’.
Please take a moment to read the letter in full, you’ll find a link to it on the website along with the templates for parishes/benefices and deaneries to prepare continuity plans.
Each day, global concern about the COVID-19 virus increases – for good
reason. We know that it is very contagious, that it is a new virus which
we don’t have inbuilt immunity to, and that it can have very serious
consequences for those who are elderly or physically vulnerable. We are
sensibly planning for the worst while working for the best.
While thinking about what we should do (or not do), here are some thoughts from +Olivia about how we should be:
- Calm: the opposite will lead us to do things which might impact seriously on others – like panic buying.
- Caring: those who self-isolate, (those in high-risk groups, or who have been in contact with the virus) need to know that we care about them. Phone calls, messages, letters, cards, food left on the doorstep are all signs that we care.
- Considerate: let’s look out for one another, and act collectively to prevent the spread. It isn’t just about me, it’s about us
- And of course, Christ-like: let’s live hopefully, love generously and pray earnestly – and let’s bless each other by the way we behave.
With every blessing for your ministry,
The Rt Revd Colin Fletcher
Bishop of Dorchester and Acting Bishop of Oxford