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All Things Considered

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Religion & Ethics

Religious affairs programme, tackling thorny issues in a thought-provoking manner

Religious affairs programme, tackling the thornier issues of the day in a thought-provoking manner

All Things Considered: Communion and Coronavirus

Communion and Coronavirus

BBC Radio Wales - All Things Considered, Communion and Coronavirus

Roy Jenkins and guests discuss Holy Communion in the context of Coronavirus.

Roy Jenkins and guests discuss Holy Communion, and how churches are reacting to Coronavirus.

From panic buying in supermarkets to restrictions on travel, the cancellation of events and the rapid disappearance of the handshake, coronavirus is changing the way we live. Gathering with other people is increasingly regarded as a potential threat. 

While there are voices urging caution against over-reaction, churches have been among groups weighing up their options and already altering their practice.   

For many, that’s focussed on their observance of Holy Communion.  Otherwise known as the Eucharist, the Mass, the Lord’s Supper, or the breaking of bread  – that’s a simple or elaborate response to the command of Jesus to “do this in remembrance of me”. Worshippers share bread and wine: some dip, some use a common cup, some tear lumps off a single loaf of bread – all things which denominational leaders are now advising against. 

But why is this act so significant?  Why do almost all Christians do it, what happens when they can’t? – and should anyone be worried about taking communion in the current crisis? 

Joining Roy Jenkins to answer these questions are:

Rev Prof Gina Radford, the former Deputy Chief Medical Officer for England.  She helped lead the public health response to Ebola, particularly in Sierra Leone, and is now a vicar in Devon; Revd Dr. Christopher Hancock, Catholic priest in Merthyr Tydfil; Revd Dr Rosa Hunt (Co-principal, South Wales Baptist College and Minister, Salem Baptist Chapel, Church Village; and Sean Stillman, Founder/minister at Zac’s Place in Swansea, an alternative church community.

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