THINK ABOUT IT:  Communion

The World Council of Churches in Geneva issued this definition of Communion in 1982:

The eucharist is essentially the sacrament of the gift which God makes to us in

Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit. Every Christian receives this gift of salvation

through communion in the body and blood of Christ. In the eucharistic meal, in the eating

and drinking of the bread and wine, Christ grants communion with himself. God himself

acts, giving life to the body of Christ and renewing each member. In accordance with

Christ’s promise, each baptized member of the body of Christ receives in the eucharist the

assurance of the forgiveness of sins (Matt. 26:28) and the pledge of eternal life (John 6:51-

58). However, how this comes to be is in conflict.

Many churches believe that by the words of Jesus and by the power of the Holy Spirit, the bread and wine of the eucharist become, in a real though mysterious manner, the body and blood of the risen Christ, i.e., of the living Christ present in all his fullness. Under the signs of bread and wine, the deepest reality is the total being of Christ who comes to us in order to feed us and transform ourentire being.

Some other churches, while affirming a real presence of Christ at the eucharist, do not

link that presence so definitely with the signs of bread and wine. The decision remains for the

churches whether this difference can be accommodated within the convergence formulated in the text itself. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kXTigZS1f5U  United Methodist Communion

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5XMnsaXYshw roman catholic communion

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NPX9clcLLAw open communion.  Beautiful images and music

Should churches practice open communion where the elements are offered to all present, baptized and non baptized.  Open with restrictions, communion  to the baptized only?  Or should we continue with closed communion by some denominations who determine those worthy to receive, open with restrictions, generally limited to baptized/non-baptised, or totally open communion where all in attendance are invited to receive.  The latter is being accepted by at least one denomination now. 

I don’t have the answers, but I do believe we should think about it.  Have you ever wondered which type of communion Jesus would accept?  Have you ever refused communion to anyone?  Is this topic too controversial to preach?

Here are several recent articles on communion:

Webpages:  Episcopal church on open communion.  http://www.episcopalchurch.org/81834_100867_ENG_HTM.htm

                   An article on communion from the Boston Globe:  http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2008/10/19/who_is_worthy_to_receive/