As you are all aware by now the coronavirus, now named COVID-19, has been found here in King County and the West Coast. While we were meeting in our Governing Bodies Retreat Saturday we heard the news that the first US death from this virus had occurred right here. The day before I published a video regarding this and our diocesan website opened up a resource page for individuals and congregations.
As is expected, I have heard from quite a few, mostly positive and appreciative emails. And, as expected, in situations like this many become an expert or a critic, or both! I do not claim to be an expert, and I am trying not to be a critic.
So, I wanted to follow up with this posting.
-I was clear in the video that I am not a scientist or physician. That is a fact, and I don’t deny it nor do I say otherwise.
-I am not “requiring” anything at this point, and quite frankly, I am not even sure I could. However I have asked Judy Andrew’s, our Chancellor, to review that authority and advise me. I suspect I could be more directive to mission congregations in the future if need be. I could also be more directive of clergy under my charge, but at this point I do not intend that at all, and would avoid that if at all possible. That could change.
-so to reiterate, “the Bishop” is not telling you to do anything. “The Bishop” is offering some advice, and some research, and the resources we have at hand at this point in order to try to bring some factual conversation to the fore.
-Finally, there is a remarkable freedom in all of this. Any individual can decide to receive communion in both kinds, one kind, or not at all. No one is going to be forced to do anything, and, meanwhile, I trust the leadership of all of our congregations to do this in a thoughtful and studied way.
So, as I have had several emails conflicting of, disparaging of, or concerned by my suggestions and/or directions, in the spirit of transparency, and only with their permission, all such emails will be posted on this blog as a comment, and on our diocesan website as a comment, so that everyone can benefit from the wisdom and expertise of those who have other thoughts on the matter. Comments on this blog are just below, and comments on our diocesan website can be found, starting this Tuesday, by going to the COVID-19 Resource page You can see my video there as well should you care to watch it.
Most of all, pray for all of those affected by this virus, the flu, and all that is going around right now. Pray for our municipalities and officials as they make difficult decisions about what to do, how to contain, and how to treat those affected.
Prayer for People Critically Ill or Facing Great Uncertainty
The Rt. Rev. Greg Rickel, 8th Bishop of Olympia 
Lee Artman, M.D. of St. Mary’s, Lakewood writes:
Despite the studies you quoted in your recent You Tube video, I have serious concerns about the basic science of a common cup. although, I have not read the two studies you referred to, From your description, they appear to be epidemiological studies. These often suffer from design flaws which fail to address basic science facts.
The quote in the Episcopal guide book you noted regarding “fortified wine” fails to meet even freshman high school chemistry standard. I have heard it for years and am appalled that it is in print.
Lethality of any agent is a chemical reaction. All chemical reactions are a function of: 1) volume, 2) concentration 3) length of exposure and 4) temperature and 5) pH.
First the obvious: the fortified wine did not kill the yeast that fermented it.
Now in order:
1. Volume: In this case-negligible. Drops
2. Concentration: In pharmacology, I was taught that the minimal concentration of isopropyl alcohol to have lethality is 70%. Isopropyl has three hydroxyl groups. Ethanol only has two. I am reasonably assured that the wine is not fortified to 70%.
3) Length of exposure: seconds.
4) Temperature: assume a constant. Heat increases the rate of chemical activity, room temperature is not an extreme modulator
5) pH will vary according to the individual liquid. Nevertheless, as stated above, no chemical reaction is instantaneous!
To state the obvious, even in the death of an animal, not all cells die instantaneously (otherwise we could never transplant cadaver organs).
Finally, just wiping a cup with linen that does not contain virocidal doses of detergent (again a chemical reaction limited by the above conditions) is facetious at best.
The only safe alternative I can envision is the use of dixie cups.
Please reconsider the advise being given. I know it is in print somewhere, but unless the authors specifically address each of the above variables, their information is “fatally” flawed.
Greg, As our Bishop you have our welfare at heart. Thank you for leading us in a positive and loving way.
Greg, thank you for your video and your comments. I did not read and “have to’s” but good information. I have talked with people from the Diocese of Toronto and the CDC and World Health who were all involved in studies and recommendations during the SARS, another Corona virus outbreak, in 2013. They told similar stories of wrestling with the implications of intinction and common cup. The final recommendation made was the safest option is communion in one kind. Second is the common cup and everybody came down on the fact that while possible there is no record of transmission by the use of the common cup. Intinction is an unknown but fingers are a primary source of transmission in the world so not a good idea in this case.
The FDA has been recommending the move away from antimicrobial soaps https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/antibacterial-soap-you-can-skip-it-use-plain-soap-and-water and lots of plain soap and water. Lots of suds and cover all surfaces especially the nails and fingers. Thank you again
As always, you do not shy away from difficult communication. Indeed, you give us food for thought. Thank you for your kindness, openness and perspectives. You are an awesome bishop.