Communion and Protestants

[Kat127]

A co-worker of mine let it be known to me that she was a bit offended at my wedding that non-Catholics weren’t allowed to take Communion.

I pointed out to her that at our boss’s daughter’s wedding none of the guests were given communion only the couple. (They weren’t Catholic) She told me that this was different because all the guests were excluded not just some of them.

So I started asking her about Communion at her Church. Apparently they don’t have Communion every Sunday.

I am baffled. To me the lack of communion every Sunday and the fact that it is ok to exclude some of the faithful from Communion makes it pretty obvious that Protestants don’t think about Communion the same way Catholics do.

So why are so many of them offended when we refuse them Communion? How is it possible they don’t see the difference in how it is treated?

I understood why some said it made them feel unwelcome when I thought they were taking Communion every time they go to a service. But if they aren’t…I’m just really confused.

 

[chaunceygardner]

A co-worker of mine let it be known to me that she was a bit offended at my wedding that non-Catholics weren’t allowed to take Communion.

I pointed out to her that at our boss’s daughter’s wedding none of the guests were given communion only the couple. (They weren’t Catholic) She told me that this was different because all the guests were excluded not just some of them.

So I started asking her about Communion at her Church. Apparently they don’t have Communion every Sunday.

I am baffled. To me the lack of communion every Sunday and the fact that it is ok to exclude some of the faithful from Communion makes it pretty obvious that Protestants don’t think about Communion the same way Catholics do.

So why are so many of them offended when we refuse them Communion? How is it possible they don’t see the difference in how it is treated?

I understood why some said it made them feel unwelcome when I thought they were taking Communion every time they go to a service. But if they aren’t…I’m just really confused.

In the Catholic church the Eucharist is the core part of the liturgy. In it Catholics are sharing in the true body and blood of Christ. In most Protestant churches, the communion bread and wine represents the body and blood of Christ, but does not become it during the consecration. So there is a fundamental difference. The Catholic church does not allow those who do NOT believe in this change of bread and wine to the Body and Blood to receive communion. You will often find those “rules” in the back of missals or hymnals. In the Protestant churches mentioned, anyone may partake of communion because it is totally symbolic, so that there is not a requirement to be a member of that faith or to hold a particular belief regarding the meaning of communion.

Some Protestant churches have “communion services” or “communion Sundays”, meaning that the Eucharist is not celebrated at each liturgy. Their services center around readings, preaching and prayer. It is a gathering, a worship service, not a Eucharistic service.

Contrast that with the Catholic church: When a priest is not available to say the Mass on a Sunday, a “communion service” will be held, perhaps led by a Deacon. Previously consecrated hosts are used. So the focus is on the Eucharist, the prime reason for the liturgy.

So you are dealing with two related issues, about the different ways Catholics and Protestant approach their liturgies and who can receive communion.

I am not singling out the OP here (who is far from being alone in this), but this is an indication that the Catholic Church needs to do a better job of catechizing its members about the basics of the faith.

 

[rinnie]

A co-worker of mine let it be known to me that she was a bit offended at my wedding that non-Catholics weren’t allowed to take Communion.

I pointed out to her that at our boss’s daughter’s wedding none of the guests were given communion only the couple. (They weren’t Catholic) She told me that this was different because all the guests were excluded not just some of them.

So I started asking her about Communion at her Church. Apparently they don’t have Communion every Sunday.

I am baffled. To me the lack of communion every Sunday and the fact that it is ok to exclude some of the faithful from Communion makes it pretty obvious that Protestants don’t think about Communion the same way Catholics do.

So why are so many of them offended when we refuse them Communion? How is it possible they don’t see the difference in how it is treated?

I understood why some said it made them feel unwelcome when I thought they were taking Communion every time they go to a service. But if they aren’t…I’m just really confused.

Tell your friend that if she took communion and was not in a state of Grace she would have comdemned herself in front of Christ.

Tell her the Priest was not there to stop her from receiving the body and blood of Christ, he was protecting her.

Tell her that many do not understand the teachings of the RCC that is why they must have classes to undersand how important the Eucharist is.

Then when she calls you on this scripture and trust me she will show it to her.

1 Cor. 11:27 Therefore whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord unworthily will have to answer for the body and blood of the Lord.

You must remember most Protestants deny Christ in the Sacrament as being the true bread and blood from heaven. They say its a symbol.

 

[SteveVH]

A co-worker of mine let it be known to me that she was a bit offended at my wedding that non-Catholics weren’t allowed to take Communion.

I pointed out to her that at our boss’s daughter’s wedding none of the guests were given communion only the couple. (They weren’t Catholic) She told me that this was different because all the guests were excluded not just some of them.

So I started asking her about Communion at her Church. Apparently they don’t have Communion every Sunday.

I am baffled. To me the lack of communion every Sunday and the fact that it is ok to exclude some of the faithful from Communion makes it pretty obvious that Protestants don’t think about Communion the same way Catholics do.

So why are so many of them offended when we refuse them Communion? How is it possible they don’t see the difference in how it is treated?

I understood why some said it made them feel unwelcome when I thought they were taking Communion every time they go to a service. But if they aren’t…I’m just really confused.

I agree with the other statements made here. One thing that is important to remember, however, is that when Protestants say that it is only a symbol, they are actually stating the truth. They have no authority to concecrate the bread and wine (probably grape juice, in most instances) to become the Body and Blood of our Lord. So they have no choice but to use it as a symbol.

We are very particular about who receives communion as it is much more than a symbol, but rather the actual Body and Blood of Christ and it is important that you show them the verses referenced in the previous posts as to the consequences of receiving without recognizing the true presence of the Body and Blood.

There are liturgical Protestant denominations who do believe in the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist, however the Catholic Church does not recognize their authority to concecrate. That authority is only held by the Catholic Church and Eastern Orthodox Churches.

 

[4Squarebaby]

A co-worker of mine let it be known to me that she was a bit offended at my wedding that non-Catholics weren’t allowed to take Communion.

I pointed out to her that at our boss’s daughter’s wedding none of the guests were given communion only the couple. (They weren’t Catholic) She told me that this was different because all the guests were excluded not just some of them.

So I started asking her about Communion at her Church. Apparently they don’t have Communion every Sunday.

**I am baffled. To me the lack of communion every Sunday and the fact that it is ok to exclude some of the faithful from Communion makes it pretty obvious that Protestants don’t think about Communion the same way Catholics do. **

So why are so many of them offended when we refuse them Communion? How is it possible they don’t see the difference in how it is treated?

I understood why some said it made them feel unwelcome when I thought they were taking Communion every time they go to a service. But if they aren’t…I’m just really confused.

The example is not one of believers being excluded rather it is part of a ceremony just as during the first dance at a wedding reception the couple is alone and you will not get up and dance because its your favorite song… Now there are Protestant denominations which do exclude outsiders but your friend seems to come from an open communion church such as the Methodist and those churches whose roots come from there.

 

[Lovesa]

You must remember most Protestants deny Christ in the Sacrament as being the true bread and blood from heaven. They say its a symbol.

This may very well have been the case with the incident you mentioned. However, there are Protestant denominations that believe in the Real Presence, and those churches frequently practice closed communion. For what it’s worth, I also find it slightly unorthodox that any Protestant would expect communion at a Catholic Church. After all, my (Lutheran) church, which believes in Christ in the Sacrament, does not allow anyone not of our synod to take communion. One even has to be confirmed in our synod; being a Lutheran is not enough, even.

 

[SteveVH]

The example is not one of believers being excluded rather it is part of a ceremony just as during the first dance at a wedding reception the couple is alone and you will not get up and dance because its your favorite song… Now there are Protestant denominations which do exclude outsiders but your friend seems to come from an open communion church such as the Methodist and those churches whose roots come from there.

While this may be the case, it is still true that if the Eucharist was offered to the congregation, non-Catholics would still be excluded from receiving, and rightfully so. Even if one believed as we do, they could not receive until they had been brought into the Church through the proper channels.

 

[4Squarebaby]

While this may be the case, it is still true that if the Eucharist was offered to the congregation, non-Catholics would still be excluded from receiving, and rightfully so. Even if one believed as we do, they could not receive until they had been brought into the Church through the proper channels.

And thus the offense the friend feels at Catholic, Lutheran, LDS and other exclusive churches

 

[Barbkw]

Catholics know (or should know) the additional mortal sin they are committing by receiving Jesus with mortal sin already on their soul. We have a set explanation of venial and mortal acts against God. We recite a common Creed. We have Church precepts. We have an established way in which sin is remitted in Reconciliation. We have a very specific understanding of Jesus in the wine and in the bread. We have priestly ordination, Sacred Tradition and a Pope and his bishops.

It’s uncharitable IMO, to allow other people - who aren’t in communion with the Church - to receive Eucharist.

 

[SteveVH]

And thus the offense the friend feels at Catholic, Lutheran, LDS and other exclusive churches

Yes, but if they realized they are actually being protected maybe they would take less offense. No one should be offended by the truth. Those who believe it is a symbol only, must, by default, believe that Catholics are guilty of idolatry, so I’m not sure why they would want to partake anyway. It is not as if they were being refused crackers and cheese. This is serious business, from the Catholic point of view.

 

[Annabelle_Marie]

And thus the offense the friend feels at Catholic, Lutheran, LDS and other exclusive churches

To allow them to receive communion would be to pretend that there is a unity that is not there. Protestants are our brothers and sisters but sadly our seperated brethern.

 

[josephback]

A co-worker of mine let it be known to me that she was a bit offended at my wedding that non-Catholics weren’t allowed to take Communion.

I pointed out to her that at our boss’s daughter’s wedding none of the guests were given communion only the couple. (They weren’t Catholic) She told me that this was different because all the guests were excluded not just some of them.

So I started asking her about Communion at her Church. Apparently they don’t have Communion every Sunday.

I am baffled. To me the lack of communion every Sunday and the fact that it is ok to exclude some of the faithful from Communion makes it pretty obvious that Protestants don’t think about Communion the same way Catholics do.

So why are so many of them offended when we refuse them Communion? How is it possible they don’t see the difference in how it is treated?

I understood why some said it made them feel unwelcome when I thought they were taking Communion every time they go to a service. But if they aren’t…I’m just really confused.

I never knew the difference of Catholic communion when I was Protestant. I only heard the symbolic view mostly and when I did learn about Catholic belief on it, it was from a derogatory book. It goes down to a fundamental difference in what constitutes the Church. Is the Church visibly one, or spread among many denominations? Answer that and you’ll start to understand. I’ve read that Protestant Communion is often used as a way of making bridges, so it probably seems exclusive when Communion is restricted to Catholics. I think offense is unavoidable in this instance.

 

[Publisher]

A co-worker of mine let it be known to me that she was a bit offended at my wedding that non-Catholics weren’t allowed to take Communion.

I pointed out to her that at our boss’s daughter’s wedding none of the guests were given communion only the couple. (They weren’t Catholic) She told me that this was different because all the guests were excluded not just some of them.

So I started asking her about Communion at her Church. Apparently they don’t have Communion every Sunday.

I am baffled. To me the lack of communion every Sunday and the fact that it is ok to exclude some of the faithful from Communion makes it pretty obvious that Protestants don’t think about Communion the same way Catholics do.

So why are so many of them offended when we refuse them Communion? How is it possible they don’t see the difference in how it is treated?

I understood why some said it made them feel unwelcome when I thought they were taking Communion every time they go to a service. But if they aren’t…I’m just really confused.

Friends have Communion every day…“after the manner of Friends”…while they may not have a valid sacrament in your eyes…they take this ordinance very very seriously and with utmost reverence…or at least they should…just as Catholics should…that you or your particular communion doesn’t recognize this as a “true ordinance established by Christ” or not…should not be taken lightly. The main difference, many Protestants share “inter-communion” with one another…and thus confirming the One Church, One Faith, One Baptism"…they do believe differently…but like Catholics have various ways to “punish” those who have publically sinned in some way.

I attented a Mennonite church for a time…not a member because I was not baptized in water…but I was allowed to share in the commuionion service and foot washing…a solemn and humbling experience by the way…but an “ex-commucated” member…“disfellowshiped”…“read out of Meeting”…was imposed by the elders of the church as a means of their repentance…Catholics deny the eucharist to Protestants because they are not in communion with the Bishop of Rome…and there by excluded from the sacrament.

Both very serious in either communion…I guess I was trying to say…let’s not seek to impose our understanding on an issue as holy as the Lord’s Supper/Eucharist that Protestants celebrate…which in their understanding is equal to the eucharist to Catholics…I myself find neither “method” or “praxis” satisfying…I seek “Communion after the manner of Friends”…I cannot concieve of practicing a rite or ritual of any kind to enter into the Presence through it…or receive grace merited by participating in a rite or ritual…I do understand the sacredness of the eucharist among Catholics/Orthodox/Lutherans/Anglicans…and the sacredness and holy reverence that more “non-liturgical” Protestants understand…

Among some Mennonites and Brethren…none of you have a full understanding…Jesus washed the disciples feet in conjunction with the sacred meal…so should we…Evangelical Friends use this as an “arguement” as to why Friends do not practice the ordinances.

 

[elvisman]

To allow them to receive communion would be to pretend that there is a unity that is not there. Protestants are our brothers and sisters but sadly our seperated brethern.

Actually - this is the best answer so far.

The main reason that we do not allow non-Catholics to participate in Communion is not the fact that it is the Body blood, soul and divinity of christ. Some non-Catholics that I have spoken to believe that it is.

**No - the main reason is because by receiving Communions in the Catholic Church, you are stating that you are in full communion with her. You are declaring agreement with all of her teachings. **

Some Catholics have no business receiving because they haven’t been to Confession after committing mortal sin or the fact that some are dissident Catholics who reject the Church’s teachings. These types of Catholics are guilty of profaning the Body and Blood of Christ (1 Cor. 11:27-30).

 

[patricius79]

A co-worker of mine let it be known to me that she was a bit offended at my wedding that non-Catholics weren’t allowed to take Communion.
.

understandable.

maybe that will begin a process which will lead her into full Communion

 

[wed2catholic]

A co-worker of mine let it be known to me that she was a bit offended at my wedding that non-Catholics weren’t allowed to take Communion.

I pointed out to her that at our boss’s daughter’s wedding none of the guests were given communion only the couple. (They weren’t Catholic) She told me that this was different because all the guests were excluded not just some of them.

So I started asking her about Communion at her Church. Apparently they don’t have Communion every Sunday.

I am baffled. To me the lack of communion every Sunday and the fact that it is ok to exclude some of the faithful from Communion makes it pretty obvious that Protestants don’t think about Communion the same way Catholics do.

So why are so many of them offended when we refuse them Communion? How is it possible they don’t see the difference in how it is treated?

I understood why some said it made them feel unwelcome when I thought they were taking Communion every time they go to a service. But if they aren’t…I’m just really confused.

Some Protestants are offended because they do not understand how Catholics view Communion, so to them it is no big deal if they take Communion in a Catholic church.

Others view it as unwelcoming because if you as a Catholic visited in their church, you would most likely be able to take Communion with them. They do not understand why you would not return the favor. This comes from the “invisible church” theory.

 

[jrtrent]

A co-worker of mine let it be known to me that she was a bit offended at my wedding that non-Catholics weren’t allowed to take Communion.

Others have pointed out that there is a large variance in how Protestants see communion. I would just add that a little advance information for guests at weddings or visitors at church could go a long way toward forestalling offense or embarrassement, and might open opportunities for further discussion. I’ve been to a couple of Catholic weddings, and on both occasions the person who invited me made the restrictions on receiving communion known. Same with my visits to congregations that practice closed communion; someone always explained it in advance.

 

[hn160]

A co-worker of mine let it be known to me that she was a bit offended at my wedding that non-Catholics weren’t allowed to take Communion.

I pointed out to her that at our boss’s daughter’s wedding none of the guests were given communion only the couple. (They weren’t Catholic) She told me that this was different because all the guests were excluded not just some of them.

So I started asking her about Communion at her Church. Apparently they don’t have Communion every Sunday.

I am baffled. To me the lack of communion every Sunday and the fact that it is ok to exclude some of the faithful from Communion makes it pretty obvious that Protestants don’t think about Communion the same way Catholics do.

So why are so many of them offended when we refuse them Communion? How is it possible they don’t see the difference in how it is treated?

The LC-MS official policy for Communion is closed Communion, the saying is Lutheran pulpits and Lutheran altars for Lutherans only. It is printed in the church bulletin that we practice closed Communion, the pastors will not commune anyone that he does know when they come to the altar rail. Non-Lutheran and non-LC-MS Lutherans sometimes get upset about this but we do not want them to take Communion to their harm. This also assumes that all that come to the altar are of like mind in our beliefs.

I understood why some said it made them feel unwelcome when I thought they were taking Communion every time they go to a service. But if they aren’t…I’m just really confused.

 

[SteveVH]

The main difference, many Protestants share “inter-communion” with one another…and thus confirming the One Church, One Faith, One Baptism"…they do believe differently…but like Catholics have various ways to “punish” those who have publically sinned in some way.

How do you have “One Church, One Faith” and yet still “believe differently”? That statement is self-contradictory. And please explain how Catholics have various ways of “[punishing] those who publically sinned in some way”? If you are speaking of refusing communion to those politicians who publically break the laws of God and His Church, this is not a punishment, but rather a mercy, preventing them from commiting even a greater sin. They always have the option of reconciling and being welcomed back.

 

[rinnie]

This may very well have been the case with the incident you mentioned. However, there are Protestant denominations that believe in the Real Presence, and those churches frequently practice closed communion. For what it’s worth, I also find it slightly unorthodox that any Protestant would expect communion at a Catholic Church. After all, my (Lutheran) church, which believes in Christ in the Sacrament, does not allow anyone not of our synod to take communion. One even has to be confirmed in our synod; being a Lutheran is not enough, even.

Yes I understand that, if you go back and read what I said, I was sure to say MOST.

But you must realize you hit a very important Point here the word SACRAMENT. You also see the Eucharist as a Sacrament. They don’t. If they did see it as a true Sacrament they would indeed see it as you do.