Open Eucharist?

There is a debate beginning over 'open communion', or having communion open to everyone not just those who are baptized Christians.

Eucharistic Spirituality

Part of me is torn on the issue. After all, didn't Jesus reach out to everyone? Surely the idea of radical hospitality and a radical Gospel preaching peace and hope to be extended to all, includes the Eucharist? If we are to close off the table from one group doesn't it leave the door open to continue to further close it off? The Roman Catholic church, indeed, even local churches as well as other independent churches across the nation and world, deem only their members able to worthily receive communion.

But I know that my being torn is the assumption that anyone who sets foot inside an Episcopal church is at least Christian, if not entirely in practice at least in thought, even if just a little.

But that isn't always the truth. Non-believers, atheists, agnostics, Jews, Muslims, Hindus etc may at one time or another set foot inside the walls of our church. They are more than welcome. And what is more welcoming than inviting them to the table for Holy Eucharist?

But, some of those aforementioned groups won't be believers in what the Eucharist represents. On some level they may respect the symbolism and what it means to everyone else and may be glad to be able to partake in a holy moment with the rest of the church.

I know not everyone who comes forward for communion is to believe in a lock step fashion. That will never happen. But what of people who don't even see Christ as divine? Who don't see Eucharist at the least as a holy moment?

I forgive many things in my thinking regarding the church, that is the liberal side of me. I welcome all. But for me this is the holiest moment of all in our life as a church and as the body of Christ. It starts to become devalued when it is treated without the utmost respect.

I don't believe in the stringent rules the Roman Catholic church or Orthodox churches put in place. But there is a limit.

To be baptized is to make a public confession that you believe Christ to be your savior. Some take it more seriously than others. But there it is. That is the minimum for me to come forward for communion.

I remember sitting in the pews when I wasn't baptized, or sometimes going forward for a blessing. I didn't feel left out. Some may, I know. But I felt empowered. I was on a path to develop my faith, strengthen my love of God and to be sure I was making the right commitment. It was a wonderful time as I look back on it. Others may not have the same experience I know.

Communion should be treated with a certain amount of respect and excluding the non-baptized does not mean they are not children of God and are not saved and are not part of the community, it simply means they need to be make the same commitment as others have.

The body and blood of Christ deserves at least that.