To Drink or Dip

"After supper he took the cup of wine and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, and said , "Drink this all of you: this is my blood of the new covenant, which is shed for you and for many for the forgiveness of sins. When ever you drink it, do this for the remembrance of me.

The common cup has been the normative practice of the universal Church from its beginning with few exceptions and has been a part of Anglicanism since the Reformation. Studies continue to indicate that there is virtually no risk of transmission of infection through drinking from the common cup.

In fact there is a greater risk of spreading infection through intincion (dipping the wafer in the wine) since the hands are a greater storehouse if infectious agents than the lips. The wafer is contaminated by being held in the hand of the recipient and that contamination is subsequently passed to the wine from the dipped wafer. The situation is made even worse should the fingers touch the wine.

Communion in one kind (bread) is a theologically acceptable option for those fearful of the common cup for parents who would prefer that their children not drink the wine. If you select this option , when the chalice is offered you may simply touch its base while the words of administration are said . Another option is to fold your hands across your chest as a sign that you will not receiving the wine.