Worship without germs
Friday, September 25th, 2009
By: Kerry Grens
kgrens@whyy.org
Religious services are great places for germs to get passed around. People share cups, they kiss each other and join hands. Religious leaders are well aware that a flu pandemic is going on, and they're taking action.
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Synagogues and churches are installing hand sanitizers. Letters are going out to clergy reminding them of good hygiene. The episcopal diocese of Pennsylvania is even encouraging parishioners to avoid church when they're sick. Rodney Michel is the assisting bishop for the diocese.
Michel: In a sense that's kind of a new message because we've always, churches have always said you have to come to church. But in a season like this people need to be more careful and cautious and not share their germs.
Michel says clergy will visit sick members if they opt out of Sunday services. If those who are sick do come to church, they should not drink wine from the shared chalice. Some Rabbis have said congregants can blow a kiss to the mazuzah rather than touching it directly.
