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Add information and clarify the term
'''Open communion''' is the practice in some [[Christian]] [[Church|churches]] in which anyone who presents himself for [[Holy Communion]] will be served. Churches practicing open communion do not restrict communion based on [[Denomination|denominational]] affiliation or belief in Christ but rather leave the decision to receive communion to the individual.
'''Open communion''' is the practice in some [[Christian]] [[Church|churches]] by which a non-member who presents himself for [[Holy Communion]] will be served. In most cases, it is expected--or explicitly stated--that such persons be baptised members in good standing of another Christian denomination and hold a belief about the meaning of the Lord's Supper that meets the requirements of the church being visited. Some denominations which practice open communion do not restrict communion based on [[Denomination|denominational]] affiliation, baptismal status, age, membership, or belief in Christ but rather leave the decision to receive communion to the individual.
==Arguments for and against==
==Arguments for and against==
Advocates of Open Communion often contend that Scripture records several instances in which Christ shared meals with people who were not disciples of his, although his "Last Supper," upon which the Communion ordinance is based, involved only his closest followers, the Apostles.
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<!-- Could someone who believes in it put in some arguments for? I'm strongly against it, for the reason given -->
Opponents of open communion cite the Apostle Paul's statement (I Corinthians 11:29) that "he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself" to say that unbelievers should not partake in the Lord's Supper. In addition, they say, Jesus was careful to not initiate the Lord's Supper until Judas the unbeliever had left.
Opponents of open communion cite the Apostle Paul's statement (I Corinthians 11:29) that "he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself" to say that unbelievers should not partake in the Lord's Supper. In addition, they say, Jesus was careful to not initiate the Lord's Supper until Judas the unbeliever had left.
==Churches which practice open communion==
==Churches which practice open communion==
*[[United Methodist Church]]
*[[United Methodist Church]]
*[[United Church of Christ]]
*[[Disciples of Christ]]
*[[Churches of Christ]]
*Some [[Evangelicals]] and [[Pentecostalism|Pentecostals]]
*Some [[Evangelicals]] and [[Pentecostalism|Pentecostals]]
*Non-Confessional [[Lutherans]]
*Non-Confessional [[Lutherans]]
*The [[Episcopal Church]]
==See Also==
==See Also==