Coronavirus anglican church stops communion from one cup
A very specific and timely question!
Yes, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Anglican Church has taken measures to reduce the risk of transmission of the virus, including modifying the way Communion is served.
In many Anglican churches, the traditional practice of serving Communion from a single cup has been suspended or modified to reduce the risk of transmission. This is because the virus can potentially be spread through contact with contaminated surfaces or through respiratory droplets that may be present in the air.
Instead, some churches have introduced alternative practices, such as:
- Individual cups or intinction: Each communicant receives their own cup or intincts (dips) their own bread into a separate cup of wine.
- Wafers or bread only: Some churches have suspended the use of wine or only offer bread as a means of Communion.
- Pre-packaged Communion: Some churches have started using pre-packaged Communion elements, such as individual cups or packets of bread and wine, to reduce the risk of transmission.
These modifications are intended to minimize the risk of transmission while still allowing the faithful to participate in the sacrament of Communion. However, it's worth noting that the specific practices may vary depending on the denomination, diocese, or individual church.
It's also important to remember that the Anglican Church has emphasized the importance of following public health guidelines and taking necessary precautions to prevent the spread of the virus, while also maintaining the spiritual and sacramental life of the church.