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Flu-Fearing Churches Ban Peace Handshakes

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

By Matt Cantor,  Newser Staff

Posted Sep 8, 2009 2:37 PM CDT

(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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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 9 comments
SBS
Sep 9, 2009 7:20 AM CDT
@justme. I agree with your comment completely. Just the same I never liked the peace handshake during the service so I hope my church bans it.
Unaffiliated
Sep 9, 2009 1:22 AM CDT
Your last sentence is quite true. Consider me among your "most people of faith..." My OP was a bit off topic, but I hope it serves to illustrate a point.
justme
Sep 8, 2009 11:42 AM CDT
How does this story become a bash faith spot? These are just church people doing something that makes sense. I know that it's hard for most of the above writers to believe but most people of faith , myself included, also believe in science.
 

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