Ebola:: Catholic Church suspends ‘sign of peace’; Anglican primate suspends handshake

ArchBishop Adewale Martins

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.

Most Reverend Nicholas Okoh

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.

source: naijagospel