Bishop withdraws use of chalice to tackle spread of flu

Bishop withdraws use of chalice to tackle spread of flu


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Published: 23 July 2009

The Bishop of Manchester has today asked his churches to stop sharing wine during communion church services in order to reduce the risk of pandemic flu being spread in church. He is also encouraging clergy and congregations to use alcohol hand gel during worship. The measures are contained in an advice pack sent to clergy on 23 July 2009.

The Church of England in Greater Manchester has been monitoring the emerging flu pandemic over the past three months. The Bishop of Middleton has led a group that is monitoring national, regional and local conditions and is liaising with health authorities and statutory bodies.

The Bishop of Manchester, the Rt Revd Nigel McCulloch, said; “Swine Flu continues to be a mild disease for the vast majority of people and we pray that will continue to be the case. Today I have asked clergy to make changes to worship in their churches and start using hand gel. I am confident that if our advice is followed then we will have played our part in helping to reduce the risk of pandemic flu in church.” 

For all the latest information and to download the flu protocols, visit the Pandemic page.


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