Priests told to just drink all the wine themselves as communion returns

They can offer worshippers bread, though.

Priests offering holy communion should drink the wine themselves when people return to churches next week, new coronavirus guidelines recommend. 

The Church of England has said the ceremonies may have to take place behind Perspex screens from Monday, when an easing of the lockdown comes into force. 

Worshippers will be able to go in to holy buildings for private prayer as the Government relaxes restrictions which have stopped religious people from gathering since March 24. Such venues were originally not due to reopen until at least July 4, but people are set to be allowed back next week, as long as social distancing is maintained. 

Now the Church of England has said worshippers will be allowed to be within 2 metres of the priest when they are given the communion bread. The advice adds: ‘At present, communion should be administered in one kind only with no sharing of the common cup. The president alone should always take the wine, consuming all that has been consecrated; other communicants should receive the bread only, in the hand.’ 

The church insists the new practice still represents ‘complete communion’. 

Visit our live blog for the latest updates: Coronavirus news live

Encouraging the priest and communicant to sanitise or wash their hands before the bread is given, the advice, published yesterday, goes on: ‘We recognise that it will not be possible to maintain the normal two-metres distancing for the brief time that the priest administers the sacrament. 

‘However, the risk associated with this is relatively low. Some benefit might be gained, if face-coverings are worn or a form of separation such as a perspex screen is used’. 

The church concedes that it is ‘very possible’ that the government will ask both parties to wear a face mask during the ceremony. 

A Number 10 spokeswoman has said previously: ‘The Prime Minister recognises how important it is, at this unprecedented time, for people to have the space to reflect and pray, to connect with their faith, and to be able to mourn for their loved ones. 

‘The PM is so grateful to people of all faiths and none, who have followed the social distancing guidelines, and in doing so, protected their communities.’

Weddings, worship groups and other services are still not deemed safe enough to go ahead, however.

The Government has also paid tribute to people of all faiths for their patience at being unable to mark Easter, Passover, Ramadan, Vaisakhi and other events with friends and family in the traditional way.

Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk.

For more stories like this, check our news page.