Dear Ms. Tolentino:

Since laboratory studies have shown that bacteria and viruses can contaminate a silver chalice and survive despite the alcohol content of the vine and wiping or rotating the cup, the potential exists for an ill parishioner or asymptomatic carrier to expose other members of the congregation by contaminating a common cup. If any diseases are transmitted by this practice, they most likely would be common viral illnesses such as the common cold. However, transmission of other illnesses cannot be excluded.

We are not aware of any specific episodes or outbreaks of illness that have been associated with use of a common communion cup. However, it is important to understand that health officials would only become aware of a health risk from such a practice if it resulted in the transmission of unusual diseases or large clusters of common illnesses and subsequent investigation were successful in determining the vehicle of transmission. Viral respiratory disease might be transmitted frequently by a common cup, but the association may not be recognized or the disease may be attributed to respiratory or other forms of person-to-person contact. We are not aware of any epidemiologic studies that have attempted to study the importance of a common communion cup in disease transmission. The lack of documented occurrence of disease is reassuring that the practice is not gravely hazardous, but it should not imply that there are no risks.

In summary, we cannot quantitate a risk for disease transmission by use of a common communion cup nor can we provide a medical endorsement that the practice is safe.

I hope this information will be helpful to you.

Sincerely yours,

D. Peter Drotman, M.D., M.P.H.
Medical Epidemiologist
AIDS Branch
Division of Viral Diseases
Center for Infectious Diseases

Archbishops' advice on sharing of Communion

The Archbishops of Canterbury and York have today written to Bishops in the Church of England recommending the suspension of the sharing of the chalice at communion.

The Feast of St Mary Magdalene        22^nd July 2009

Dear Colleague,

It now seems right to offer guidance at a national level about how the Church of England’s worship might best take into account the interests of public health during the current phase of the swine flu pandemic.

The Department of Health have recently advised us that “in a pandemic it makes good sense to take precautions to limit the spread of disease by not sharing common vessels for food and drink”.  In the light of this advice, we recommend those presiding at Holy Communion suspend the administration of the chalice during this wave of pandemic flu. [1] For those who still wish to offer in both kinds, we recommend the practice whereby the presiding minister, whose hands should have been washed with the appropriate alcohol based rub before handling the elements and the vessels, personally intincts all wafers before placing them in the hands of communicants. This is a practice widely observed in Anglican churches throughout Africa. Communicants receiving in this way need to be confident that the clergy and all assistant ministers follow the relevant guidance on hygiene.

The Bishop of Ripon & Leeds circulated substantial guidance, including a summary of the government’s advice[2], with his letter of 23 June[3].  Many of you have already issued local guidance based upon its content.  We regard it as important that those presiding at Holy Communion are aware of this advice[4] and of that contained in this letter.  They should offer guidance to the congregation about appropriate precautions in receiving communion and exchanging the peace. 

We shall keep this advice under review and will ensure that the detailed guidance provided on the Church of England website[5] is kept up-to-date.  In the meantime, wish to express our gratitude to you and those who share your ministry for the pastoral care and service offered at this time of national concern.

+Rowan Cantuar:                                +Sentamu Ebor: