ECCT Coronavirus Update #1

March 6, 2020
It is well documented that COVID-19 is transmitted from person to person through the spread of respiratory droplets originating from an affected person’s mouth or nose. See the Center for Disease Control information on “How COVID-19 Spreads.” Significant precautions thus need to be taken to limit the spread of respiratory droplets. This has a direct bearing on our liturgical practices, especially the sharing of the common cup.

The Rubrics of the Book of Common Prayer note that: “Opportunity is always to be given to every communicate to receive the consecrated Bread and Wine separately.” (BCP p. 407) At the same time the Canons of the Episcopal Church state: “The Rector or Priest-in-Charge shall have full authority and responsibility for the conduct of the worship and spiritual jurisdiction of the Parish, subject to the Rubrics of the Book of Common Prayer, the Constitution and Canons of this Church, and the pastoral direction of the bishop.” Canon III.9.6(a)(1) As your bishops we believe that the following liturgical pastoral direction is in order to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, and is in keeping with both the Rubrics and Canons of The Episcopal Church.

Beginning immediately:
· only the consecrated bread of the Eucharist is to be distributed at the altar rail in your parish.

· Provision for those who wish to take the risk of drinking from a common cup should be made by having a station for communicating the wine, separate from the altar rail in your parish.

· In no cases should intinction (the act of dipping the bread into the wine) be used to receive the wine.

Please note: This liturgical pastoral directive is intended to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19 and also to protect those who are worshipping. It will be time limited direction based on the progress of the disease. Receiving only the bread at the time of communion is a full and sufficient participation in the sacrament.

You are very much in our prayers in this challenging time.

Faithfully,

The Rt. Rev. Ian T. Douglas & The Rt. Rev. Laura J. Ahrens
Bishop Diocesan                       Bishop Suffragan

God of the present moment, God who in Jesus stills the storm and soothes the frantic heart; bring hope and courage to all who wait or work in uncertainty. Bring hope that you will make them the equal of whatever lies ahead. Bring them courage to endure what cannot be avoided, for your will is health and wholeness; you are God, and we need you. Amen.