We introduced the fist bump in church as an alternative to handshaking. It seemed like a wise response to the swine flu fears that are sweeping the nation.

Reaction was mixed. Half of the folks continued to shake hands while others enjoyed touching knuckles or arms. Privately, several people told me this new greeting ritual was an over-reaction. Others said it created a safer health environment and reassured people who might otherwise stay away from church.

Hand sanitizer bottles have also been placed throughout the building and sanitizer dispensers will soon be attached in various locations. Hand-washing instructions have been placed by every sink.

These developments make me feel linked to Old Testament times when Jewish priests functioned not only as spiritual leaders but also as infection-control staff. While I'm not willing or able to declare who is and who is not "unclean", I think church leaders should support our medical community's efforts to mobilize against the H1N1 virus.

Frustrating vaccination lineups and acrid parliamentary debates aside, I commend the Canadian Public Health Association's quick response to the World Health Organization's call for pandemic preparedness. At pandemic.cpha.ca, for example, you can find a helpful pandemic flu checklist for your home. It includes suggestions for a three-day stock of food and water, essential medical and hygiene supplies and general items like flashlights, candles and cash.

Among Canadian denominations, the United Church of Canada has been especially clairvoyant and pro-active, producing a two-page document for churches back in March 2006. Called 'Are You Ready for a Health Emergency', it suggests using individual cups and bread cubes for communion, passing the peace by bowing, sanitizing nursery toys weekly and staying home from church if sick.

I understand and even lament some of these changes in protocol in the way people worship and experience community. But why not err on the side of caution, honour the advice of our medical advisers and welcome these suggestions with a sense of humour?

Now that the people in my congregation are having fun bumping and elbowing each other, my next infection-control challenge is to encourage everyone to sneeze into their sleeves instead of their hands. In my opinion, and hopefully in yours, that's "unclean" behaviour that ranks right up there with the curious list of unclean things and practices that are found in the first few books of the Bible.