Christenings under review as Church curbs contact

CHRISTENINGS are at risk over fears that babies could be infected by coronavirus, as the Church of England urges ministers to reduce physical contact during services.

Members of the clergy have been advised to “consider suspending handshaking or other direct physical contact” that could pass on the virus.

Nick Edmonds, a Church of England spokesman, told The Sunday Telegraph that while Christenings and baptisms are not officially banned, the advice is “constantly being reviewed”.

It comes as Pope Francis announced that he will not be appearing in public to stop crowds from gathering, and will instead address worshippers through online broadcasts.

“When using the collection plate and dishing out hymn books, people should practice good hand sanitation and wash them where possible,” said Mr Edmonds.

“There’s no guidance that things like Christenings shouldn’t happen, but the advice is constantly being reviewed. The guidelines are proceed as normal with sensible precautions in place.

“If a minister feels it necessary to withdraw the Holy Communion cup then they can do so. We haven’t gone as far as to say ‘thou shall not shake hands’, but there’s imaginative things people can do, like smile and gesticulate without having to touch.”

Parishioners at some churches have been winking and waving at each other during services to minimise contact.

The Rev Niall Weir, rector of St Paul’s in Hackney, east London, told The Telegraph: “At the end of the day, people’s welfare is the ultimate concern and we will do what we have to do to preserve that.”