Difference between revisions of "Open communion"
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*[[Disciples of Christ]] | *[[Disciples of Christ]] | ||
*Some [[Evangelicals]] and [[Pentecostalism|Pentecostals]] | *Some [[Evangelicals]] and [[Pentecostalism|Pentecostals]] | ||
| − | *A large portion of [[Baptist]]s (but not including most [[Independent Baptist]]s and some [[Reformed | + | *A large portion of [[Baptist]]s (but not including most [[Independent Baptist]]s and some [[Reformed]] Baptists) |
*Non-Confessional [[Lutherans]] | *Non-Confessional [[Lutherans]] | ||
*The [[Episcopal Church]] | *The [[Episcopal Church]] | ||
Revision as of 14:44, September 29, 2018
Open communion is the practice in some Christian 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 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
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.
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
- United Methodist Church
- United Church of Christ
- Disciples of Christ
- Some Evangelicals and Pentecostals
- A large portion of Baptists (but not including most Independent Baptists and some Reformed Baptists)
- Non-Confessional Lutherans
- The Episcopal Church
Technically Churches of Christ practice closed communion as it is restricted only to those who are members of the Church of Christ; 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.