At certain times we do well to say only what is necessary and only about a subject we know and understand. Young wiseacres, on the other hand, at precisely those times, offer themselves up as as experts in everything, and end up sticking their feet in their mouths. This seems to be the case in much of the growing social media commentary about this new SARS-CoV epidemic, especially as fueled by the overload of information by the "new" media.

Today, as in the past, we are faced with the enormity of the impact of the 2019 coronavirus disease pandemic (Covid-19). Everyone is worried because of the transmission that is so fast, simultaneous, and deadly. Covid-19 not only kills humans, but also destroys the economy to the extent that it might go as far as economic stagnancy.

In all the discussion on the internet about observing the Lord’s Supper in the situation of the Coronavirus, we should spare a thought for believers, particularly in Muslim lands, who have no regular contact with other Christians.

There has been a recent posting of reports reflecting (in a very healthy way) divergent views on celebrating the Lord’s Supper online during community lockdown. We were blessed to read and reflect on the perspective that came from our colleague in India, and thankful, for the reminder that in the family of Christ we are enriched by considering how other churches are coping and how other Christians live in the light of our present world crisis.

One of the big ecclesiological questions that arises as Christians have moved into isolation is whether communion can be served via live-streaming. While it is an understandable pastoral desire, this introduces some major questions about the nature of the sacrament.

WRF member Dr. George Fuller has recommended that the historical response of Martin Luther to the bubonic plague which devastated Europe in the 16th century might be relevant to our situation today.

Should a Local Church Session Administer the Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper During the Present Lock-Down Situation?

In taping or livestreaming their services. My own congregation has done this several times, and it has been simultaneously a blessing to have the technology to remain connected and a horror that the church is left with a facsimile of corporate worship.

A few days after the Australian government introduced limitations on gatherings and ministers realised that churches would have to meet on-line, several ministers asked me about the Lord’s Supper. I wrote a response and circulated it around the Presbyterian Churches in our state.

What follows is not intended to be a scholarly paper, exegeting Scripture and drawing on learned sources, it is rather a more or less spontaneous reflection on the challenge of whether or not Reformed Protestant Christians should seek a cyber experience of the Lord’s Supper.

The Lord’s Supper is a sacred meal for Christians. It expresses our fellowship within the body of Christ, both among fellow members of Christ’s body, and also with the head of that body, our risen Lord. Three elements of the Lord’s Supper are found in Paul’s instructions to the Corinthians.

Cowper’s 18th century song rings true: when comforts are declining, God grants to the soul a season of light to cheer us again.

Our (Australian) Prime Minister has said, more than once, that we’re facing significant deprivation of comforts and such hardship that we’ve not seen for generations – even as far back as the two world wars.