Letter to Clergy - Common Cup at Communion

Dr Peter Jensen – Archbishop

26 March 2003

To All Clergy

Dear Friends

You would probably be aware from your reading of Southern Cross and the daily newspapers, that the use of the common cup at Holy Communion has been raised again.  You would know that this matter was looked at in 1992, at which time the Synod report indicated that there was no ceremonial or doctrinal significance attached to the cup, be it common or individual.  It suggested that the common cup ought to remain the norm, but that as individual cups are not in breach of the law of the church or inconsistent with the teaching of Jesus, there are pastoral grounds for permitting the use of individual cups as alternatives to be used alongside the common cup.

That report essentially permitted individual cups.  However, more recent medical advice has come to hand which suggests that individual cups should not just be permitted, but in fact encouraged.

A report was prepared by Dr Bernard Hudson, a specialist in infectious diseases, and his conclusions are summarised in the report which is attached.  He summed up by saying ‘the inescapable conclusion is that disposable containers for dispensing the communion wine or grape juice, from an infection control perspective, should be implemented.’ Standing Committee last night received the report, and has made recommendations with which I concur.  I was asked to circulate guidelines.  I prefer to see these as guidelines rather than regulations.

They are:

• That congregations be made aware that the use of the common cup poses a small but significant health risk.
• That churches be encouraged to provide an alternative to the common cup by supplying individual cups.
• That the bread be prepared by a person who has carefully washed their hands immediately beforehand.
• That all those involved in the distribution of the elements should wash their hands prior to the service.

• For preference the chalice should be of metal.
• A linen or cotton purificator should be used.
• Fortified wine should be used and not grape juice.  Where wine is diluted with water the quantity of water should be very small.

• Grape juice or wine or both may be used.  The congregation needs to be clearly aware of what is provided.
• Glass cups are to be washed thoroughly afterwards: plastic cups should be disposed of.

With best wishes

Yours sincerely
Peter F Jensen

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