ptl@fluke.UUCP (Mike Andrews) (01/28/86)
Hi,
Some recent postings have said that any Christian can receive Communion
in a Roman Catholic church; another said anyone of any faith can receive
Communion. Both statements are in error. You remember when the Pope
visited Canada, he made it clear that Communion was intended for those
who accepted the Eucharist as held by the Roman Catholic church. At first
this upset me, I want Christains to come together, not held apart by
doctrinal differences. But he said something that finally sunk in - he said
that hiding from our differences will not help us come together, and by
holding to this stand, there is force being applied to all of us to work
together on what does separate us (these of course aren't his exact words,
but a paraphase).
I called a priest about the Roman church's official stand on the subject.
He said in rare instances would the Roman church allow non-Catholics to
receive communion, though the church would `never refuse' (his words). Anyone
to receive Communion must be considered to be in Eucharistic fellowship;
that is, part of the community.
Another priest, a pastor, said he allows some non-Catholics to receive
Communion in his parish. First though, he talks with them to find out
where they're at. He didn't go into any details as to what was asked.
I got the idea that he wants to make sure the person treats the Eucharist
with the same honor and reverence that Roman Catholics are expected to.
I also got the idea he would allowed non-Catholics married to Catholics
to receive Communion, so the family could worship as one.
An aside - the Eucharist is central to the worship and faith of the
Roman Catholic church; not only what it is, the Body and Blood of Christ,
but also what it stands for, God's unearnable Love and Salvation received
through Jesus' self sacrifice and death - once, for all people, 2000 years ago.
God Bless,
Mike Andrews
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