Church goers in Tasmania appear to be adhering to changes brought about because of the coronavirus - including not shaking a priest's hand. Anglican Vicar General Assistant Bishop Chris Jones said the changes introduced at the weekend were a break from tradition but parishioners had "responded positively". "We've had no push back at all," Assistant Bishop Jones said on Monday. "It is a change but people want to do the right thing." IN OTHER NEWS: Both the Anglican and Catholic churches advised people not to shake hands. "A wave, a slight bow, a pat on a shoulder (and a warm smile) are acceptable alternatives," Bishop of Tasmania Richard Condie wrote to churches. The Catholic Church has stopped using the chalice at communion but the Anglican Church will still use a common cup. "Our best advice is that the common cup is safe from spreading infection, provided that a sliver chalice is used (silver having an antibacterial quality), is wiped with a clean linen purificator, and is turned after each communicant," Bishop Condie said. In a message to parishioners at the weekend, Catholic Archbishop Julian Porteous said peace offerings during mass should not include a handshake. "It is recommended that in greeting people after the mass, the priest refrain from shaking hands," Archbishop Porteous wrote. "Consideration could be given to providing a hand sanitizer coming to and leaving the celebration of mass." However, a shortage of hand sanitizer meant that it was not available at masses at some churches at the weekend. The churches say the new protocols will remain in place until health authorities say they can be lifted. The last time the chalice was removed from services was during a meningococcal outbreak.
CHALICE: The Catholic Church has suspended communion from the chalice.
Church goers in Tasmania appear to be adhering to changes brought about because of the coronavirus - including not shaking a priest's hand.
Anglican Vicar General Assistant Bishop Chris Jones said the changes introduced at the weekend were a break from tradition but parishioners had "responded positively".
"We've had no push back at all," Assistant Bishop Jones said on Monday.
"It is a change but people want to do the right thing."
Both the Anglican and Catholic churches advised people not to shake hands.
"A wave, a slight bow, a pat on a shoulder (and a warm smile) are acceptable alternatives," Bishop of Tasmania Richard Condie wrote to churches.
Assistant Bishop Chris Jones
The Catholic Church has stopped using the chalice at communion but the Anglican Church will still use a common cup.
"Our best advice is that the common cup is safe from spreading infection, provided that a sliver chalice is used (silver having an antibacterial quality), is wiped with a clean linen purificator, and is turned after each communicant," Bishop Condie said.
In a message to parishioners at the weekend, Catholic Archbishop Julian Porteous said peace offerings during mass should not include a handshake.
"It is recommended that in greeting people after the mass, the priest refrain from shaking hands," Archbishop Porteous wrote.
"Consideration could be given to providing a hand sanitizer coming to and leaving the celebration of mass."
However, a shortage of hand sanitizer meant that it was not available at masses at some churches at the weekend.
The churches say the new protocols will remain in place until health authorities say they can be lifted.
The last time the chalice was removed from services was during a meningococcal outbreak.
