April 30, 2009

CHICAGO – In response to public concerns about the swine flu, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) issued a guide for congregations – "Worship in Times of Public Health Concerns." The church also provided resources to help individuals and families safeguard against influenza.

The April 30 statement advises members and leaders of the ELCA's 10,448 congregations to use "common sense and intentional action with regard to preventing the spread of pathogens while continuing to gather around the means of grace."

The statement said it is not necessary to cancel worship at this time. But "worship leaders should take some time to be well informed of the situation in their local areas and to examine worship practices with regard to the spread of pathogens, perhaps making small changes that will help alleviate the anxiety of the gathered assembly," it said.

"In times of anxiety about the spread of such pathogens as influenza, churches are advised to follow the advice of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention with regard to gatherings of people," the statement said.

The Worship and Liturgical Resources section of the ELCA Office of the Presiding Bishop developed the statement, which offers alternatives for how worshipers can share in the "passing of the peace," traditionally performed with a handshake.

While it is not necessary to eliminate the passing of the peace, "it may be advisable, based on (the) local situation, for the presider to suggest how the assembly may greet one another," the statement said. "The verbal greeting paired with a reverent bow may be suggested."

In regard to Holy Communion, congregations are advised to consider their local situation and determine if the risk is "real or imagined," the statement said. "Some common-sense precautions may be all that is necessary." Servers of the meal should wash their hands before distributing the elements, and congregations may choose to distribute wine by pouring the wine from one common chalice into small cups.

"During this time of anxiety around a new form of influenza, the Sunday assembly of Christians around Word and Sacrament is a particularly important sign of resurrection hope in the midst of fear and trouble," said the Rev. Robert G. Schaefer, executive for worship, ELCA Office of the Presiding Bishop.

"We want to repeat what President Obama has said about this public health emergency, that it is a cause for concern but not for alarm," said the Rev. Kevin A. Massey, director, ELCA Domestic Disaster Response and Lutheran Disaster Response (LDR). LDR is a collaborative ministry of the ELCA and the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod.

"It is always a good idea for individuals, families and worshiping communities to review their preparedness plans. We have produced resources to help with this, and we encourage everyone to continue to stay informed," Massey said.

"Worship in Times of Public Health Concerns" is at http://www.ELCA.org/worship/, and information about preparing for a pandemic flu is at http://tinyurl.com/dfu3s2, on the ELCA Web site.

ELCA News Service