Protestants (even Lutheran Protestants) CAN receive Holy Communion in the Catholic Church under specific and dire conditions. The Bible says that they all may be one as we are one. If a Catholic receives communion from a Protestant minister, it is generally considered “illicit” or unlawful. According to the Code of Canon Law, receiving communion in a Protestant church is generally not permissible. Many of his thesis were in fact addressed and created reformation in the Catholic church. 6:51-67; Mt. “Holy Communion signifies we are one with God, each other and the Church. And Lutherans have … And remember, that as wonderful as Protestants are, they have broken the Christian unity and do not share in the fullness of the covenant. The answer is basically “no,” there is no Protestant denomination whose members would be admitted to Communion. My big giggle came when I found that my children had received communion in the Catholic Church, which was okay as they were both baptized Catholics, but had never made their first confession when they did it. If you would like to understand more about the Catholic Church’s teaching on the Eucharist, you can watch the 2 minute version here, or the 6 minute version here. First of all, it is not strictly speaking true that Protestants cannot receive communion in the Catholic Church. This is an absolute requirem… This is because different Churches are doing what they think is correct. First, you must be in a state of grace. Open communion is the practice of some Protestant Churches of allowing members and non-members to receive the Eucharist (also called Holy Communion or the Lord's Supper). BTW- he is methodist. Bishops in his native Argentina have published draft pastoral guidelines based on chapter eight of Amoris Laetitia in which they say that divorced and remarried Catholics can receive Communion under certain strict conditions. God is everywhere, but He was present in a special way in the person of Jesus Christ on earth, so God is everywhere but present in a very special way in Catholic Holy Communion. It has the full truth. The Catholics tend to have wine where-as protestant Churches normally have grape juice. What can we do about antisemitism and the Catholic literary canon? + Holy Communion + At the Last Supper, Jesus said, “Take this bread. Copyright © 2021 US Catholic. This concept is confusing to some Protestants because many non-Catholic churches practice “ open communion ”—that is, they welcome all who have received Jesus Christ as Savior to participate in communion with them. He said Jesus would never deny anyone communion so why do catholics deny communion to those outside the church? According to Roman Catholic discipline, the Code of Canon Law does not object to the reception of Communion by Christians of these churches (canon 844 §3). ** This is a common question asked by both Catholics and non-Catholics alike. Even Jesus occasionally broke the religious law of his day, though he did so to fulfill the “spirit” of the law. Protestants to receive Communion at first Catholic Mass in Geneva Cathedral since Reformation 'This is nothing special in Geneva,' as Intercommunion 'is … Catholic magazine devotes issue to problematic Communion regulations during COVID outbreak News By Maria Madise Polish prime minister condemns online censorship days after Trump… There usually are no huge differences in the Communion Rite. Martin Luther did not “separate himself and his followers from the fullness of the truth and the fullness of the New Covenant”. Protestants acknowledge the Body of Christ given up for us (same with the shed blood) just like Catholics and maybe something supernatural really does take place in the heavenlies during Communion. Protestants left the Church because this institution of professed morality was wretchedly corrupt, all the way to the pope. Catholics can visit Protestant churches. The Church admits to Communion Catholics (evidently) and all those Christians who belong to a fully apostolic Church: that is, to a Church that has maintained apostolic succession and has the Catholic Faith regarding the Eucharist. Can Protestants take communion at Catholic churches? This always serves as an invitation for our Protestant brothers to come home to the fullness of the faith, to the one banquet table. Receiving Communion in any Protestant service, therefore, is not appropriate for a Catholic since it would be a public declaration of something of which they do not believe and within which they are not in communion. Your original response did not note this fact. The Guidelines for the Reception of Communion state: Further, Orthodox Christianity does not permit its faithful to receive Holy Communion in non-Orthodox communities, whether they be Roman Catholic, Protestant, or whatever. The corruption in the church was partly brought on because of the power struggle between the Holy Roman Emperors and the Pope’s. The Church sets out specific guidelines regarding how we should prepare ourselves to receive the Lord’s body and blood in Communion. Don't you think it's wrong for the Catholic Church to give Communion to people it knows don't give a rip about Jesus and then refuse me because I'm not sure where I am with transubstantiation? Whereas Catholics and Orthodox believe in Transubstantiation – meaning Jesus is actually (literally and physically) present. The 1993 ecumenical directory issued by … There cannot be one belief with one Church, and one pope who makes the decisions. If attending a service where the congregation receives bread and wine but only considers it a symbol, Lauren asks if Catholics can receive, since we agree (at that church), it is only a symbol and not the Body and Blood of Christ. Many Protestant denominations hold to a position of “open communion” (that is, any who are present are invited to share) and will simply presume that Catholics … Marian T. Horvat, Ph.D. David Knight describes himself as “a senior priest of the Catholic Diocese of Memphis and the leader of a movement for spiritual growth based on the five mysteries of Baptism.”. The Catholic Church does not see Communion as something you just receive. What are those conditions? What is the relationship between the Old and New Testaments. It was more of a blanket statement. (In the same vein, some Catholics insist they can take communion in an Orthodox Church, and that Orthodox Christians can receive in a Roman Catholic Church. Just to set the record straight, the simple truth is that it is not against Catholic doctrine for Protestants to receive Communion at Mass.. 1. In fact, many Protestant non-denominational churches welcome Catholics and even allow them to take part fully in their services, including communion. I told him because we believe in the Real Presence!..Not good enough for him. Protestants Can Receive Communion at Mass, Says Catholic Theologian. These elite teams have standards and don’t just let anyone join. Prostitutes and Drug Addicts alike, but they must not be actively living in sin, confess their sins (another Sacramental) in order to receive the Eucharist licitly. As such, neither one is welcome at the other's table. However, in order to be on a travel team or an elite team, a person must try out and be picked. “Whoever, therefore, eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of profaning the body and blood of the Lord. In this age of many Protestant denominations, it regularly happens that members of the Catholic faithful while attending a wedding, funeral, or another service in a Protestant church may be confronted by the invitation to receive “communion.”. As a Catholic, the core of one’s union with Christ is union with the church. What do you say when you take communion? I am a protestant and if I was in a Catholic church and desired to take communion I would. Protestants are currently allowed to receive Catholic communion only in extreme circumstances, such as when they are in danger of death. They have been at odds for over 500 years, yet they growing ever closer together and more tolerant toward each other. “Being neighborly” at a Protestant wedding doesn’t constitute necessity and Protestants do not have a valid priesthood. Nowhere in the Bible does it say you can only take communion if you believe exactly how a denomination does. At the same time, some Catholics would like to, and do, receive communion on these rare occasions. Yes, Luther left the church in a sense by starting a new one with new doctrines, (faith alone and bible alone) which had never been heard of in Christianity until around that time). In recent years, we have seen an increase number of Catholics who have been receiving communion at Orthodox and Protestant churches. Their argument for doing so is that the communion services of all religions are equal. Answering Anti-Catholic Arguments (and showing why they are wrong). A friend ask me “Why does your church deny protestants communion”? In fact, according to the decree, “the gaining of a needed grace sometimes commends” it. Let a man examine himself, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup” (1 Cor. Nowhere in the Bible does it say you can only take communion if you believe exactly how a denomination does. 3.) Many but not all churches that practice open communion require that the person receiving communion be a baptized Christian, and other requirements may apply as well. Faith is far too complex for that. There cannot be one belief with one Church. Then, you can receive the greatest gift of all. Furthermore, Catholic priests and laity have invited non-Catholics to receive communion in the Catholic Church. Your email address will not be published. This is a difficult question to answer, at least for me it is. This article appeared in the October 2011 issue of U.S. Catholic (Vol. The Eucharist is the Pinnacle of the Catholic faith. Most Protestants accept that the body and blood of Jesus in Communion is only a symbol while Catholics believe that the wafer (“the Eucharist”) is really and truly the body and blood of Christ (John 6:51-67; Mt. **Why can’t non-Catholics receive Holy Communion in the Catholic Church? When a person receives communion in a Catholic Church, the priest says, “The Body of Christ,” and the communicant responds, “Amen” in agreement. Also, if in danger of death, a Catholic can receive communion from another church with valid sacraments, which excludes the Protestant churches. Everyone is Invited into Communion. According to canon 844, “Catholic ministers may licitly administer the sacraments to Catholic members of the Christian faithful only and, likewise, the latter may licitly receive the sacraments only from Catholic ministers.”. He was excommunicated for questioning the corruption and abuse of power in Rome. Normally, sharing Eucharistic communion is meant to be a sign of ecclesiastical communion, which is why the general rule is that only fully initiated Christians in full communion with the Catholic Church can receive. Thus Jesus wanted one church, one faith, and one baptism, and one set of beliefs, just as it says in the Bible and has been passed on to us from Jesus. It is still corrupt, but to a somewhat lesser degree. Thus, we have to have permission from the Orthodox Bishop or patriarch. It truly is Jesus communing with us and helping us to become one body with Him and each other. 3.) The vast majority of Protestants strongly disagree with the Catholic understanding of the Lord’s Supper, and it would be dishonest to say, “Amen.” Catholics who lack access to Catholic Mass may receive communion from Orthodox churches, but most Orthodox will not allow it. Here’s the rub. This is the awkward moment you knew was coming. Author has 346 answers and 92.9K answer views First of all, it is not strictly speaking true that Protestants cannot receive communion in the Catholic Church. They are one and the same thing; they go hand in hand. This happened, and unless you are an Orthodox or a Catholic Christian you are basically an offshoot of Protestantism. In the Bible, the only time that the words ‘New Covenant’ are mentioned are in relation to the Eucharist (For example, Mt. In the end, this may be fulfilling the “spirit” of canon law while going against the letter. Upon reception of Catholic Communion, everyone must say “Amen.”  If a Protestant were to attend a Catholic Mass, the priest would hold up the Communion host in front of their face and say, “The body of Christ,” to which the Protestant would respond, “Amen.” The word Amen means: “So be it, I believe.”. As such, all persons who have been baptized, and are therefore part of the extended family that is the Church, are welcome to receive the bread Why can’t Protestants receive communion at the Catholic Church? Thus, they could not receive Catholic communion in good conscience without being dishonest before God. In communion, we welcome brothers and sisters in Christ and join together to remember Jesus’ sacrifice for our salvation. There are no earthly rules as to what Christ recognizes as a Christian follower. And people must accept that truth to join the banquet table. Catholics also allow other religions to participate in their worship service; however, only Catholics can receive Holy Communion, or the Lord’… Martin Luther separated himself and his followers from the fullness of the truth and the fullness of the New Covenant. Many but not all churches that practice open communion require that the person receiving communion be a baptized Christian, and other requirements may apply as well. Do this in memory of me.” He originally did not want to leave the Church, but after a while, he did. Answer: Communion services, also known as the Lord’s Supper, are usually held in churches during the worship services. For the early church, however, worship services were in homes. Can you, and should you, a practicing Catholic, accept the invitation? Still, within the confines of canon law, the exceptions to the rule are rather limited, and receiving communion from a Lutheran pastor during a wedding would normally be seen as “illicit” for Catholic wedding guests. If you have good reasons not to be Catholic, then you also have good reasons not to receive Communion in the Catholic Church. But then there is a call to come to the table of the Lord’s Supper, to receive communion. If you have any questions, thoughts, or comments, please put them below. A friend recently wrote the following on her blog: "we went to catholic mass on sunday. Come check out a Catholic Mass, even a Latin Mass, where you can experience the mystery and awe of God. But, the OP did not mention that there were grave circumstances. This is my blood. As a Lutheran child brought up with a Catholic church and school in my backyard, I was constantly tortured by Catholic children and their parents … for years. As we can see, it is technically possible for a non-Catholic Christian to receive Holy Communion from a Catholic minister, but the set of necessary circumstances delineated in canon 844.4 is so restrictive that it will not happen very often. Catholics also allow other religions to participate in their worship service; however, only Catholics can receive Holy Communion, or the Lord’s Supper. The Episcopal Church's policy is that any baptized Christian can receive Communion in the Episcopal church (and they let their members receive Communion in any church that welcomes them). In the Protestant tradition, Communion is often seen as a means of building unity among various denominations, and many have open Communion, meaning that any baptized Christian can take Communion in their services. Q. Moreover, Communion for Protestant Christians is not what it is for Catholics. That is a great question! Again, this leads to more denominations! 11:27–28). In recent years, we have seen an increase number of Catholics who have been receiving communion at Orthodox and Protestant churches. As to protestants not taking communion in a Catholic church. The reason for the Catholic Church’s general rule against sharing in the Eucharist with other churches is that a person can only be in full communion with one church. A. You gladly accepted the invitation to celebrate this happy day with the bride and groom. it was great to be in church, and the priest mentioned a few times the desire for unity among all those who believe in jesus, which is something we all can hope for. And not just in regard to the Real Presence, but also in regard to the Pope, to Mary, to the other Sacraments, to the Communion of Saints, the priesthood, salvation, and so on. If the conditions are met, a Protestant is welcome to join us at the table of the Lord. Intercommunion could be a “yes” to God by witnessing to God’s presence in the marriage and committing to God’s work of salvation in their lives. Receiving Communion in a non-Catholic church would proclaim that a person is in “communion” with that denomination and its teachings, and therefore not in “communion” with the Catholic Church. Although all can attend communion ceremonies, some denominations place restrictions on who can receive communion. When you receive Communion in the Catholic Church, you are saying with your body that you are in union with the Church and that you believe as we believe. Believe in God, Christ and the teachings of the Bible … THAT is all that matters … In a Catholic church, the priest can not actually stop a person from taking communion during the mass, so really any one can go up and take communion. Why can Catholics receive the Lord’s Supper at Protestant services but not the other way around? So yes, you are right, it's terribly hypocritical that a faithful evangelical like you can't receive communion but a lousy liberal Catholic does. It is not up to man to say who can and who cannot take communion. And it is also true that eucharistic sharing has occurred at the highest levels of the church. Much like the Catholic Church that places restrictions on who can receive Holy Communion, many Protestant churches have closed communion and only allow church members to receive the bread and wine in the celebration. As to protestants not taking communion in a Catholic church. According to canon 844, “Catholic ministers may licitly administer the sacraments to Catholic members of the Christian faithful only and, likewise, the latter may licitly receive the sacraments only from Catholic ministers.” The key term here is licit. 26:26). Why can’t Protestants receive the Holy Communion in a Catholic Church? The inquirer also was not entirely correct that those who receive Communion must be “in full union with Rome.” Orthodox Christians, and members of a few other Christian churches with valid holy orders and a valid Eucharist, are allowed to receive Communion when attending Catholic Masses. A good thing! It’s a declaration of our communion with the Lord and also his Church. Why Can't Protestants Take Communion in a Catholic Church Black Cordelias ^ Posted on 12/27/2008 2:48:02 PM PST by NYer. One way that Catholic Priest used in identifying non-Catholics during the Holy Communion reception, is the response when the Priest says, “The Body of Christ”. The center of this union lies in the reception of the sacrament of the Eucharist during Mass, which is both a confession and embodiment of unity with the Roman Catholic Church. I was thrown off of Catholic playgrounds by Nuns and Priests alike … it was hell. ... has ordered that Communion be distributed only in the hand, that holy water fonts in all churches … Protestants (even Lutheran Protestants) CAN receive Holy Communion in the Catholic Church under specific and dire conditions. While some Roman Catholic priests are not as careful as they should be in the distribution of communion, if you are not Roman Catholic, you should not partake in a Roman Catholic Church. However, Protestants do not believe it’s the true body of Christ, but only a symbol. For most Protestants, attending a service anywhere is fine. Secondly, Catholic/ High Churches tend to celebrate the communion everyday where-as Low/Protestant Churches may celebrate it once a month. But, the OP did not mention that there were grave circumstances. 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