Closed communion

Closed communion is the practice in some Christian churches of offering communion (also known as Holy Eucharist or Lord's Supper) only to members of the same denomination or congregation (though few churches restrict communion to only members of the congregation). The reason for practicing closed communion is generally because of differing beliefs about the meaning and nature of Holy Communion that exist among denominations.

Churches that practice closed communion

• Catholic Church: The Roman Catholic Church normally restricts communion to Catholics in good standing (i.e. not in mortal sin and not excommunicated). On certain occasions members of other churches with valid holy orders and identical beliefs about the Eucharist are admitted to communion.

• Eastern Orthodox Church

• Some Baptists (mainly Independent Baptists)

• Conservative Mennonites, Old Order Mennonites, Amish

• Confessional Lutherans

• Jehovah's Witnesses

Technically Churches of Christ practice closed communion as it is restricted only to members in good standing; however, in practice the churches leave it to individual attendees (members and visitors) to decide whether or not to participate, and therefore the practice is more in line with open communion.

See also

• Real presence
• Open communion