THE centuries-old practice of church worshippers taking communion has been thrown into the spotlight again.

Recent utterances by those attending funerals and church services suggest that there are some who are still uncomfortable with the practice of drinking wine from the same cup as everyone else.

The concerns stem from questions surrounding the safety of the practice and some have stated publicly that they will not consume wine in any religious ceremony if it is offered in that manner.

But is there anything wrong with the practice?

One medical doctor who practises at one of Jamaica’s public hospitals who asked not to be named said that “theoretically an individual will always spread viral infections through oral secretions”. Additionally, he stated that over time “we are all exposed to this type of infection but the effects from this exposure is dependent on our immune system”.

The doctor, however, added that while theoretically one could get infected, there have been no studies to prove this.

Senior medical officer of the Annotto Bay Hospital and consultant surgeon Dr Ray Fraser also acknowledged the fact that there has been no study to prove that drinking wine from the same vessel is harmful.

He admitted, however, that there may be anecdotal evidence to prove that this practice may lead to the transmission of viral infections.

“If the cup is continuously being used and is not washed or not washed properly, it can result in infections being transmitted, and one may be very concerned,” stated Dr Fraser.

Dr Fraser added that the traditional practice has been done over many decades and has observed that many priests, after each participant takes a sip, and proceeds to wipe the cup (chalice). He said, however, he could not state how effective that method was.

“Some religious institutions use grape juice and others opt to use alcoholic wine. The alcohol found in the wines act as an antiseptic, but cannot aptly kill germs 100 per cent but might be able to reduce it”, Dr Fraser noted.

President of the Medical Association of Jamaica, Dr Shane Alexis, believes that there are many practices in a religious setting that leaves an individual open to infections, whether it be a simple handshake or sharing of saliva. He also noted his observation of the priest wiping the chalice between individuals and stated that it may reduce the risk of contaminating and contracting a virus but does not eliminate the spread of viruses.

“Persons have to make their own choices and have to be wary of these things. Also, it is incumbent on the individuals and religious institutions conducting these ceremonies to explain it to those who wish to partake in these ceremonies,” Dr Alexis told the Jamaica Observer.

Consultant pulmonologist Dr Charlton Collie believes that there aren’t many dangers that can be derived from this practice.

“Not many things can be transmitted from a simple sip,” Collie contended.

Some members of the clergy when contacted declined to give a view on the subject.

However, Anglican priest, Rev Charles Danvers of the Porus Cure in Manchester told the Sunday Observer that, in his personal view, there was little to fear, in terms of hygiene.

“There are a lot of misconceptions. The wine that is used in communion assists in the purification process. It is most unlikely for someone to be infected from a communion cup.

“The strength of the wine and the vessels that are used … are unlikely to cause any form of infection.

“There are some persons, even in the Anglican Church, who opt not to drink from the cup. They would rather dip the host (bread) into the wine and have it,” Rev Danvers said.