Bishop Baxter Writes...

March 14, 2011

Dear Sisters & Brothers;

I begin my series on pastoral issues questions for which I have received inquiries over recent years. This edition addresses the question “Is Baptism required for reception of Holy Communion?” The short answer is “yes it is required.” This is according to the Episcopal Church’s Constitution and Canons: I:17.7, “No unbaptized person shall be eligible to receive Communion in this Church.” 

The question is often phrased as “open communion or not”, and is often requested as an evangelism tool----an aspect of “radical hospitality”---a characteristic consistent with the Episcopal Church’s culture of “All Are Welcomed”. Others argue for this “open communion” with the perspective that it is the Lord’s Table, not ours to determine who should or not partake. However, it is important to remember that scripture and tradition teach us that while the larger experience of worship is public, the sacrament is a time when those who in varying degree have submitted to prior sacrament of faith, have been or are being instructed about the gravity of this sacred meal.  There is something very “cultic” about Holy Communion that is in itself an evangelist experience…to be in the presence of persons sharing the power of action and belief draws persons towards learning and experiencing this expression of the holy. While we do not require I.D. of persons who present themselves, or persons who may be drawn to receive, it is our teaching that baptism and instruction or formation is expected for reception. With this knowledge even the persons who beyond the stated invitation (all baptized persons regardless of denomination are welcomed to receive---or some form of this invitation) present themselves are informed that the draw of the Spirit to receive is not an invitation to a free meal but to submit to the religious preparation and prior sacrament to enter fully into the community, its fellowship and sacred gifts (body and blood). Whether we are talking about the communion table, ordained ministry, or sharing in the mission of the church, it all belongs to God.  However, our Catholic Faith is that the Church IS the steward of God’s gifts. The standards which empower, engender respect, and affirm the efficacy of God’s gifts all are entrusted to the Church, the Body of God’s Christ.

I would also add a note about children and receiving communion.  Too often I perceive that reception of communion is approached either as a political right of young children and/or something that is cute and therefore appropriate. I cannot stress too strongly that children must not be forced to receive; they must also be carefully taught to receive by caring instruction appropriate to their age; and those accompanying them at the altar must model for them by the devotion of their (sponsor or parent) reception. The parent, grandparent, or sponsor is the principle teacher, guided by the priest or deacon of the parish. Simple matters such as how to hold their hands for reception, how to respond (e.g. “amen”) upon being presented the elements, and to consume rather than to play with the “Jesus cookie” as some have referred. It takes time and patience to teach and model for our children and they will not always get it right on a given Sunday. That’s o.k. But we must be gently and caringly consistent that approaching the altar is a special and sacred experience of divine and communal love.

I welcome any questions or thoughts you may find helpful on this topic.  Next edition will address “What constitutes full adult membership in the Episcopal Church”; particularly we will consider confirmation/reception and adult persons joining congregations from other denominations.

Peace & Grace,
+Nathan