A CONTROLLED-STUDY ON INTINCTION - A SAFER ALTERNATIVE METHOD FOR RECEIVING HOLY-COMMUNION

The sacrament of Holy Communion has been practiced by Christians of al l denominations for 2,000 years. The potential hazards that present th emselves when one sips from the common communion cup during this ritua l have been the subject of debate in the scientific and religious comm unities for many years. This study investigated the risks involved wit h intinction, an alternative to sipping from the common cup in which t he parishioner dips the bread into the wine and consumes both elements conjointly. These findings were compared to those of previous investi gators who tested the hazards of sipping from a common communion cup. It seems that intinction does not eliminate all risk of infection, but it does reduce it over that of sipping from a common communion cup. T he cleanliness of the minister's hands appears to be a significant fac tor.