Ebola: Catholic Church suspends ‘sign of peace’,
Anglican primate suspends handshake
As the fear of the spread of Ebola sweeps across
Nigeria, Catholic churches in Lagos have
suspended the 'sign of peace' where the
congregation shake hands during mass. While some
Anglican churches have suspended handshakes
during communion.
The Archbishop of Lagos Adewale Martins released
a statement yesterday saying that while the
handshakes have been suspended, Catholic priests
should continue the traditional hand to mouth
method of given Holy Communion for now, but
asked the priest to make sure their hands don't
touch the tongues of the recipient. He also said Holy
Water bowls usually placed at the entrance of
churches should be discontinued to contain the
spread of the virus.
In the same vain, the Primate of the Church Of
Nigeria Anglican Communion the Most Reverend
Nicholas Okoh today suspended shaking of hands
during the exchange of the peace. He also
suspended the age long mouth method of
administering communion. He said this is aimed at
preventing the spread of the disease through
physical contact.