Given that the church is a place where people from different ages and health come together, within our congregation on a Sunday there will be those who are in contact with lots of people and those who may have immune deficiencies.
If you aren’t well, then it is worth considering those who may have a weaker immunity than yourself. There are facial tissues at the back of church, please use them as required and dispose of them carefully. Handwashing facilities are available in our lavatories, and we also provide sanitiser at the back of church.
Intinction is the practice of dipping the bread wafers into the wine. The wafer, having already been in the hand before it goes into the wine can transfer bacteria. It is also possible for fingers to enter the wine. Dipping the wafer into the wine also has implications for those who are gluten intolerant as traces of gluten are more likely to enter the wine. It is therefore standard practice in our church as in many other churches in London not to allow intinction.
The precious metal of the chalice and the nature of one’s mouth actually means there is a smaller risk of spreading a disease by drinking from the chalice than by intinction. There is a useful article about the actual risk of infection from the common cup from the Church of Canada here.
Should you decide to decline the common cup, you are still participating fully in Holy Communion. Whether you participate in only the bread or only the wine (as is sometimes the case for those at the end of life or those unable to swallow solids), both fully embody the presence of Christ. Receiving in one kind is therefore considered to be no less ‘effective’ than receiving in two kinds. It is sensible not to receive the wine from the chalice if you are aware that you could be in some way infectious or if you feel uncomfortable receiving the wine.
Similarly those uncomfortable with drinking alcohol, even if it is a part of the sacrament, can be sure of the fact they are fully participating in the Lord’s supper by only receiving the bread.
If you have any questions or would like to speak to a member of the clergy about this, please do not hesitate to do so.