Coronavirus church bans use of common cup for holy communion
Yes, many churches and religious institutions have taken measures to reduce the risk of transmission of COVID-19, including the use of the common cup for Holy Communion. Here are some examples:
- The Catholic Church: In March 2020, the Vatican's Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments issued a statement allowing for the use of individual cups or intinction (dipping the host into the wine) instead of the common cup for Holy Communion.
- The Episcopal Church: In March 2020, the Episcopal Church's Presiding Bishop, Michael Curry, issued a statement encouraging churches to use individual cups or intinction instead of the common cup.
- The Lutheran Church: Many Lutheran denominations have also suspended the use of the common cup, instead recommending individual cups or intinction.
- The Presbyterian Church: Some Presbyterian denominations have also suspended the use of the common cup, while others have implemented alternative practices such as individual cups or intinction.
These measures are intended to reduce the risk of transmission of COVID-19, particularly among vulnerable populations such as the elderly and those with underlying health conditions.