September 2009 - Evangelicals Now

Though the number of new cases of swine flu has fallen from its summer high of 100,000 to 30,000 per week, nevertheless experts are predicting that there will be a second and much more widespread phase of the pandemic this coming autumn and winter.

With this in mind, the government has issued advice to churches through the different denominations and affiliations on how to be prepared for an increase in the spread of the influenza A H1N1 virus. It was reported in The Times and The Daily Telegraph on July 24 that the Archbishops of Canterbury and York had written to their 16,000 clergy asking them, for the first time ever, not to share the chalice (common cup) at Holy Communion but, rather, to dip communion bread in the cup. This advice was not even given during the great Plague in the 17th century, although, of course, our understanding of hygiene has advanced since those days.

For some people, their experience of the much-publicised swine flu pandemic has been the huge amount of media hype. However, others have suffered physically and, in a small number of cases, this has led to serious illness, although often in patients with existing health problems, such as cancer, which had already weakened their immune systems. At present, the government is saying that there is no sign that the virus is becoming more severe or developing resistance to antivirals.

September or October

The advice issued by the Fellowship of Independent Evangelical Churches (FIEC), in a document called Blue Pages Extra — Influenza Pandemic Arrangements,¹ said: ‘The current expectation of virology experts is that a swine flu pandemic will strike Britain in September or October this year, following the holiday season, and that between 25% and 50% of the population will be affected. The infection will spread easily and rapidly through the population. Even so, measures to slow down its spread are extremely important, since the fewer people who catch the virus, the smaller the minority for whom it will be fatal’.

Be prepared

Richard Underwood, General Secretary of the FIEC, explained to EN the reason for issuing the advice to its affiliated churches. ‘Realising that a widespread swine flu epidemic in the autumn could have a debilitating effect on our communities, the FIEC has tried to identify all the ways in which our churches could be affected, and to offer advice which will help them to be as prepared as possible to minimise the impact of a pandemic, survive its worst effects, and make the most of every ministry opportunity which a pandemic will provide.’

The FIEC makes clear that the information is important for every church, but it will not affect all churches in the same way. All churches should consider carefully which details apply to them, and what they need to do. Their advice includes the following:

* Medical matters

Adopt robust policies which advise and encourage people with symptoms to remain at home.

The government will be providing antiviral medicines for those displaying symptoms, and churches will want to consider how they can most effectively be involved in informing their affected members of how to obtain these drugs. Churches may also want to consider forming a ‘flu friend’ network which will enable fit people to collect drugs on behalf of those displaying symptoms.

* Possible curtailment of activities

Although the government advises churches to assume that all meetings should continue to be held as normal, churches need to be open to advice from the relevant local public authorities and agencies to suspend gatherings should particular circumstances locally make this desirable.

Consider what non-personal ways of keeping in touch with people may need to be devised or developed — e.g. newsletters, CDs and websites.

* Hygiene on church premises

Ensure that adequate supplies of cleaning materials are readily available.
Ensure regular cleaning of all hard surfaces.
Encourage hand washing.

* Communion services

Suspend the use of the ‘common cup’ at communion services. In doing so, churches do not need to buy permanent individual cups, as disposable individual cups are available inexpensively.

* Staffing the church programme

No pastor or other key workers should ‘struggle on’ out of a misguided sense of duty. Instead, churches should put in place contingency plans in the event of the absence through illness of staff and other core workers.

* Pastoral

Consider what increased pastoral needs a pandemic will generate, and how these can be met. What additional support will it be necessary or desirable to provide for members and congregation, outside of the normal routine gatherings?

1 The complete Blue Pages Extra issued by FIEC can be accessed via this link: http://www.fiec.org.uk/Portals/2/FIEC%20General/2009_06%20Blue%20Pages_Extra.pdf

Bless you!