The case for intinction (Letters, 29 November) based on hygiene considerations is not without merit. But is it not the case that a minister’s finger, which constantly touches the tongues of those who receive the host orally, falls under the same constraints, and can pass disease from one communicant to another, even to those who receive Communion in the hand? This is clearly of greater concern in times of localised viral or bacterial outbreaks. Surely, in this new dispensation, bishops need not fear condemnatory missives from Rome if, in the exercise of their proper authority, they forbid Communion on the tongue, at least in instances of serious epidemics.Basil Loftus. Braeval, Helmsdale, Sutherlandl Intinction where it has traditionally been practised (e.g. by the Orthodox) does no