Newtown Religious Leaders Take

Prudent Approach To Flu Season

By Nancy K. Crevier

The possibility of a flu season this year that could be more severe and more extended than usual has area religious institutions reconsidering practices that involve direct interaction between members. Some are putting into practice precautions that will protect the spread of contagious diseases, such as providing hand sanitizers and ceasing shared communion practices, while others are taking a “wait and see” approach that will implement changes should the flu become widespread in Newtown.

In a September 18 press briefing, Dr Thomas Frieden, director of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) noted, “H1N1 is spreading widely throughout the US, particularly in the Southern states, but in most of the country H1N1 activity is now widespread.” Because influenza is a very unpredictable infectious disease, though, said Dr Frieden, it is hard to say how widespread the problem will become.

In response to a question posed by Michael Stobbe of the Associated Press at that briefing, Dr Frieden said, “We have not had a flu season that’s continued like this through the summer or started this early in the fall since, perhaps, not since 1957 where there was somewhat of a similar pattern in the summer and fall. And what that means in terms of the future, only the future will tell.”

The Reverend Robert Tarullo of the Community Orthodox Presbyterian Church, the Reverend Gregory Wismar of Christ the King Lutheran Church, and Bishop Brett Keller of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (LDS) all said that they are taking normal cold season precautions with their congregations. “We encourage anyone with symptoms to stay home from services until they feel better,” said Bishop Keller, “and suggest they get checked out by a medical professional.” The LDS has not changed any of the greeting or service habits at this time, nor has the congregation at the Presbyterian Church. What steps the Presbyterian Church takes will depend to what extent the flu takes place among the congregation, said Rev Tarullo.

Where Rev Wismar sees adaptations may need to occur are in visitations to shut-ins and other special populations, but currently Christ the King has not imposed any restrictions or changes in services or greetings, he said.

At the United Methodist Church, where the Reverend Mel Kawakami is senior minister, hand sanitizers have been installed in the lobby and greeting areas to reduce the spread of illness. The placement of hand sanitizers is also the main approach taken at Trinity Episcopal, as well, said administrative assistant to the pastor, Ann Tabler. “Trinity has had a sheet out to our congregation since this past spring’s flu outbreak,” she said, “that lists precautions and resources.” Church members are encouraged to express themselves verbally during the exchange of peace if they so choose, and are assured that they are fully communed if they prefer to forego sharing the common cup during Communion and partake only of the host, she said.

At Congregation Adath Israel, Rabbi Shaul Praver said that conversation about the flu season has not come up. Hopefully, congregation members would be sensitive to others and stay home should they become ill, though, he said. That is advice that is touted by CDC director Dr Frieden, as well. “[To prevent the spread of flu] the most important [step] is to stay home if you’re sick,” said Dr Frieden. “If you have a fever, stay home for at least 24 hours after you have no fever, when you’re off all fever reducing medications. Also, of course, cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze and wash your hands frequently.” Common sense measures can reduce the spread of the flu, he said.

In the Christian faith, sharing the bread and cup is a common practice that could pose a problem should the flu become prevalent. Like many churches, the Newtown Congregational Church, led by the Reverend Matthew Crebbin, uses disposable communion cups, he said, alleviating the concern of incomplete sanitization after use. “As long as the servers are taking normal precautions, I don’t see communion to be a problem,” said Rev Crebbin.

When last spring’s bout of flu laid low many community members and school children, St Rose of Lima Catholic Church instigated protocol to prevent the spread of illness, said Monsignor Robert Weiss. “We gave communion only by hand in the spring, and removed the holy water font from the front entrance of the church,” he said. At that time, the congregation was also encouraged to avoid personal contact during the exchange of peace.

On September 23, the Diocese of Bridgeport issued recommendations for this fall and winter in response to concerns about the H1N1 virus, which St Rose will implement, said the monsignor. The recommendations include making the congregation aware that it is not necessary to have contact through shaking hands or kissing in order to exchange the Sign of the Peace or for the priest to greet members or give blessings, and that sick parishioners should stay at home. Catholics should be reminded that by receiving Holy Communion in the hand, there is less chance of spreading or contracting the flu. The suspension of Communion under the form of the Precious Blood, should flu become widespread, is to be at the discretion of the parish priest.

Along with practicing general good health habits, priests and ministers of Holy Communion are encouraged to use an alcohol-based, antibacterial solution prior to and after serving Holy Communion.

The Diocese recommendation also notes, “Your pastoral judgment and pastoral approach are critical to ensuring that these measures are seen in the best interest of the faithful.”

What congregations do not want to do, even in times of illness, said Rev Crebbin of the Newtown Congregational Church, is to cut off the encounters people have with one another. “For religious institutions over the years, in dealing with disease, it is not tradition to run away and not have contact. Jesus was noted for touching lepers,” Rev Crebbin reminded. While advocating sensible precautions such as hand sanitizer or altering the greeting style in times of widespread illness, it is important to not allow fear to be the end of “how we relate to other people,” he said.

The Reverend Barry Fredericks of Grace Christian Fellowship agreed that fear should not be a factor in how a congregation approaches the flu season. “I don’t believe in fear. Our church was founded on the Word of God,” he said. Every Thursday, healing services are held at the Mt Pleasant church, and he says his congregation will rely on “Prayer Inoculation” so that they don’t get sick. “We aren’t going to be stupid,” said Rev Fredericks, “but we will pray for the people. We believe in the power of prayer.” God, said Rev Fredericks, is big enough to care for His people.

At the monthly Elders’ Meeting, Wednesday, September 30, said Rev Wismar, local religious leaders did discuss the issue of the H1N1 virus. Having hand sanitizer accessible in the places of worship and offering updates on health practices to congregation members through newsletters are practices that will be undertaken by most congregations.

“We’ll be listening to news in the schools and area, too, of course,” said Rev Wismar, “and we decided we would all pray for the well-being of our community.” Educating congregations and taking a level-headed approach to the flu season will allow religious communities to practice faith in a safe and healthy environment.