We are now able to receive communion in both kinds

Today Bishop Steve Benford confirmed after consultation and agreement with other Bishops in Tikanga Pakeha that he is happy for churches to offer communion in both kinds, but with no compulsion or expectation that everyone will take it in full or part. He says:

"We believe we fully engage in communion whether we take one or both kinds. We all need to feel comfortable and safe - anyone who wants to receive a blessing or communion in one or both kinds is welcome".

We are encouraging liturgical best practice around this that includes:

• Regular washing-sanisting of the hands of anyone involved in handling elements, vessels and so on throughout the Eucharist
• Recommended provision of wine (with alcohol, not juice) in a central cup
• Use of clean purificators, with those administering the chalice wiping the edge of the chalice and rotating before administering to the next communicant.
• Thorough cleaning of all vessels in boiling water after the Eucharist. 

This advice will be reviewed if community transmission of any pathogen such as the COVID-19 virus recommences: we may return to communion in one kind or Spiritual Communion, depending on the current Alert Level. 

FAQ's

Is it safer to use individual cups?

We realise that this may have been practiced in some faith communities in the past, and there may be particular reasons for wanting this to continue. We do not see this as being a safer solution to sharing a common cup. There is greater potential for transmission of viruses in the extra handing involved in distributing individual cups.

Could I intinct (dip my wafer in the wine) instead of drinking from the cup?

Bishop Steven and the House of Bishops do not recommend the practice of intinction:

"Intinction is far more likely to spread germs simply because the act of dipping the bread in the wine means that people’s fingers will probably come into contact with the wine. This is even more true in churches where the minister dips the bread in the wine, then places it on the parishioners’ tongues — meaning the minister’s fingers can come into contact with both the wine and multiple people’s tongues." (See first citation below)

What is the risk of transmission of a virus in a common cup?

"The common cup might seem just as unsanitary, but there is some research backing the idea that it’s safer. Logue points to two peer-reviewed studies, published in the American Journal of Infection Control in 1988 and 1998, which found that the common cup was not a significant transmitter of disease. In these studies, scientists took a cup straight from the altar after communion to test whether disease-causing bacteria or viruses were present, and found there were such trace amounts as to not be dangerous to those who drank from the cup." (See first citation below)

In conclusion, there is experimental evidence suggesting that sharing a communion cup contaminates the wine and cup. However, there has never been a documented case of illness caused by sharing a chalice reported in the literature.” (See second citation below)

References:

Citation 1. https://www.vox.com/2020/3/12/21172458/church-coronavirus-pandemic-communion-wine-common-cup-easter accessed 8 June 2020. 

Citation 2. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1201971213001872, accessed 8 June 2020.