Newsome church bans hand-shaking because of swine flu

Aug 7 2009 by Sam Casey, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

Newsome church bans hand-shaking because of swine flu

A VICAR has defended a ban on physical contact between churchgoers because of fears over swine flu.

St John’s Church, at the crossroads of Newsome Road and Jackroyd Lane in Newsome, handed out a set of guidelines to the congregation designed to combat the spread of the virus.

Among the rules is a ban on the sharing of the peace – a ritual during which worshippers shake hands with one another.

The notice says: “The sharing of the peace is not to be encouraged. We may share the peace verbally with those around us, but please avoid making physical contact.”

Other rules are:

People involved in preparing communion and distributing bread and wine have to use an antibacterial gel

Wine can only be taken by the priest

The communion wafer has to be given out into people’s hands – not placed on the tongue

People should be prayed for without physical contact

Welcomes should be made verbally, not through physical contact.

The rules – issued “in an attempt to avoid unnecessary risks” – are in line with Church of England guidelines nationally.