Do You Accept The Body Of Christ . . . And Hepatitis A?

There could be an interesting torts case developing in Fargo, North Dakota where hundreds of church members were exposed to hepatitis A by Bishop John Folda in masses at four different churches. Folda contracted hepatitis while at a conference for newly ordained bishops in Italy. Grazie!

Of course, having a priest with hepatitis place communion wafers on the tongue of Catholics raises a unique method of spreading the disease with the faith. If Folda knew or should have been aware that he was ill (due to common symptoms of fever, tiredness, loss of appetite etc), one of the faithful could become litigious. However, since these symptoms could be confused with simply returning from a long trip or fatigue from work, Bishop Folda has an obvious defense. Moreover, such symptoms can take 15-20 days to appear.

Bishop Folda insisted that he had no indication of illness: “I wish I had known I was ill so I could immediately refrain from participating in public activities. Unfortunately, I had no symptoms immediately following my return and during the events that have been brought to the public’s attention.”

Perhaps he will now have a better appreciation for 1 Timothy 5:22 “Do not be hasty in the laying on of hands, nor take part in the sins of others; keep yourself pure.”