where may I licitly receive communion?

[newcalling]

This is the week of Christian Unity. As such, several local churches will be holding interfaith services. I attended the first night at a Presbyterian church, and there was no communion so there was no issue. However, two nights are at Lutheran churches, and one at an Episcopalian church. Both of those churches are “almost Catholic” especially the Episcopal church. Even for the sake of Christian Unity should I avoid taking their communion if it is offered? Is it a sin to take it, or just frowned upon? Where is a Roman Catholic allowed to take the Eucharist outside of the RCC?

 

[Fr.Charles_Grondin]

The Anglican/Episcopal and Lutheran faith communities, with the exception of baptism, do not have valid sacraments. Therefore Catholics are not permitted to receive communion in their services.

The Eucharist as an act of communion presupposes that there is a true and real communion amongst those receiving it. To receive in a faith community that does not share our faith in the essentials of the sacraments is to fall into religious indifference. It is disrespectful to the Catholic faith as well as the other faith communities that hold dear their own beliefs. Charity between faiths does not mean we say our differences don’t matter at all. We can respect each others consciences while also respecting our differences.

There are limited circumstances in which a Catholic may receive communion in the Eastern Orthodox Churches, however those circumstances also always rely on the permission of the Eastern Orthodox Churches…