ELCA NEWS SERVICE

April 30, 2009  

ELCA Issues Statement, Resources about Worship and Influenza
09-102-MRC

     CHICAGO (ELCA) -- 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.

For information contact:
John Brooks, Director (773) 380-2958 or [log in to unmask]
http://www.elca.org/news
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