LOS ANGELES, Jan. 1 (UPI) -- Many believe Communion chalices used by worshippers during church services are teeming with germs, but a New Jersey biologist says it is not a risk.
"People who sip from the Communion cup don't get sick more often than anyone else," said Anne LaGrange Loving, a New Jersey microbiologist, who has conducted one of the few studies on the subject. "It isn't any riskier than standing in line at the movies."
However, worry over spreading germs has been heightened because of the earlier national shortage of flu shots and congregants have been urged not to use a common cup if they are sick, the Los Angeles Times reported Saturday.
The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Los Angeles has offered common-sense suggestions to reduce the spread of infections by suggesting ministers wash their hands before Communion, wipe the chalice rim thoroughly after each sip, and wash the cup with soap and hot water after each service.
