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Holy Communion - The Eucharist

 

Holy Communion (also called the Eucharist or Breaking of Bread) is the Sacrament of bread and wine instituted by Jesus himself at the Last Supper. The Church of England defines a sacrament as “an outward and physical sign of an inward and spiritual grace.” 

There are various aspects to Communion:

  • Thanksgiving (Eucharist is from the Greek word for Thanksgiving) for the death of Jesus.

  • Remembrance: a vivid calling to mind of Jesus and his death.

  • Proclamation of Jesus’ death until he comes again.

  • Participation in the body and blood of Jesus. 

Some Christians see Communion as just a powerful visual aid. Others believe that there is a supernatural change in the bread and wine (transubstantiation). However the Church of England believes that when we worthily receive the bread and wine (which remain simply bread and wine) in penitence and faith, we spiritually feed on Christ and so receive spiritual strength and sustenance. 

It is important therefore that we prepare ourselves carefully for taking Communion:

  • Examining ourselves to see if there is any unconfessed sin in our lives

  • Realising the solemnity of Communion.

  • Focusing our attention on Jesus. 

The Church of England makes it clear that only those who receive the bread and wine “worthily, and with faith” feed on Christ and “the mean by whereby the Body of Christ is received and eaten in the supper, is Faith.”  It adds that those who take Communion without a living faith, do not feed on Christ, but rather dishonour God (Articles 28 & 29 of the 39 Articles of Religion). 

If you wish to take Communion in the Church of England, you need to be confirmed by the Bishop, after a preparation course.   

However, the church welcomes full communicant members of other Christian denominations as guests at Communion.

 
 
 

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