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MONDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2009
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Flu-Fearing Churches Ban Peace Handshakes

'Sign of peace,' prayer hand holding barred amid swine flu warnings

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(Newser) – Churches nationwide are bracing for cases of swine flu, with one in Cincinnati banning peace handshakes during Mass, the Enquirer reports. The Catholic church passed out a flier telling parishioners not to shake with their neighbors during the “sign of peace” or clasp hands during the “Our Father” prayer. At least three other Cincinnati churches are considering similar measures, as are schools and churches across the US, notes the AP.

Swine flu fears have prompted a church to ban peace handshakes.
Swine flu fears have prompted a church to ban peace handshakes.   (Shutterstock)
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9 comments
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Unaffiliated
Sep 8, 09 2:48 PM CDT
But germ theory is just a theory. I think we need to demand that demon possession be given an equal footing in the medical schools that are funded with public money. Reply
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+5
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my-name-here
Sep 8, 09 3:56 PM CDT
Yeah, this shows about as much faith as putting lightning rods on their steeples...
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+1
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Thinker
Sep 8, 09 3:58 PM CDT
Brilliant comment! If only they could see how ridiculous they seem ...
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+1
IN RESPONSE:
Unaffiliated
Sep 8, 09 4:19 PM CDT
To be fair, the majority of Catholics aren't fundies like the governor of Louisiana. Literal Biblical interpretation FTL. Just don't get me started on evolution or gay marriage.
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+1
ifbit
Sep 8, 09 2:53 PM CDT
Did they ban doorknobs as well? Reply
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+7

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