Ebola Scare: Catholic Church suspends ‘sign of peace’, Anglican primate suspends handshake

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  As the fear  of the spread of Ebola hits Nigeria, Catholic churches in Lagos have suspended the'sign of peace'where in which the congregation shake hands during mass. Though some Anglican churches have suspended handshakes during communion.

The Archbishop of Lagos Adewale Martins released a statement yesterday saying that whilst the handshakes have now been suspended, Catholic priests should continue the standard hand to mouth approach to given Holy Communion for the time being, but asked the priest to be sure their hands don't touch the tongues of the recipient. He also said Holy Water bowls usually placed at the entrance of churches must be discontinued to contain the spread of the virus.

In the same vain, the Primate of the Church Of Nigeria Anglican Communion the Most Reverend Nicholas Okoh today suspended shaking of hands during the exchange of the peace. He also suspended the age long mouth method of administering communion. He said this is aimed at preventing the spread of the disease through physical contact.