Ethan Walker
Communion is a sacred practice in the Catholic Church, where believers are united with Christ by sharing His body and blood. However, the Catholic Church does not practice open communion, and only Catholics in good standing with the Church are permitted to receive the Eucharist. This restriction has sparked questions and debates among Christians of other denominations, who may view the Catholic Church as prideful or exclusive for not allowing them to participate in Communion during Catholic Masses. The Catholic Church justifies this practice by emphasizing the significance of Communion as more than just a symbol, but as a sacrament and the true presence of Christ. While some Independent Catholic Churches practice open communion, the Catholic Church maintains its position on closed communion, requiring individuals to be united in beliefs and in good standing with the Church to receive Communion.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Catholic Church's belief on open communion | The Catholic Church does not practice or recognize open communion. |
| Who can receive communion? | Only baptized Catholics who are in communion with the Church can receive communion. |
| Communion in other churches | Catholics are allowed to receive communion in Orthodox churches in cases of real need or spiritual benefit. |
| Communion in Catholic Church for non-Catholics | Non-Catholics are not allowed to receive communion in the Catholic Church. |
| Communion in other churches for Catholics | Catholics are not allowed to receive communion in Protestant churches. |
| Exceptions | In Germany, Lutheran and Reformed spouses of Roman Catholics are allowed to receive communion from Roman Catholic ministers in certain cases. |
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What You'll Learn
The Catholic Church does not practice open communion
The Catholic Church's position on closed communion stems from its belief in the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist. Catholics believe that receiving Holy Communion is a sacred act that unites the believer with Christ by sharing His body and blood. As such, the Church considers it essential that those who receive Communion share the same understanding of this sacrament and are in full communion with the Church.
While the Catholic Church does not practice open communion, there are some exceptions to its closed communion practices. For example, in certain exceptional circumstances, the Catholic Church may allow members of the Eastern Orthodox Church, Oriental Orthodoxy, and the Assyrian Church of the East to receive the Eucharist from Catholic ministers if they request it and are properly disposed. Additionally, in Germany, a pastoral handout has been produced allowing Lutheran and Reformed spouses of Roman Catholics to receive Communion from Catholic ministers in certain cases, provided they affirm the Catholic faith in the Eucharist.
The Catholic Church's stance on closed communion is not intended to be exclusionary or prideful. Rather, it is based on the belief that receiving Communion is a sacred act that requires a shared understanding and unity of faith. While this may cause discomfort for Christians of other denominations who are unable to receive Communion in Catholic Churches, the Church emphasizes the importance of respecting theological differences and maintaining hospitality towards visitors.
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Catholics believe communion is a union with Christ
The Catholic Church does not practice or recognize open communion. Generally, it only permits access to its Eucharistic communion to baptized Catholics. Catholics believe that a blessing can be given to anyone, but they also believe that Holy Communion is only for those who profess the Catholic faith. This is because the Church holds that to receive the Eucharist, one must believe all that the Catholic Church officially teaches as coming from Christ. For example, it is necessary for Catholics to believe that the pope is the Vicar of Christ on earth and that the Virgin Mary was immaculately conceived.
Catholics believe that taking communion is a union or a sharing in the body and blood of Christ. This is based on the rhetorical questions asked by Paul in 1 Corinthians 10:16: "Isn’t the cup that we bless a communion in the blood of Christ? The bread that we break, isn’t it a communion in the body of Christ?" As such, the Church teaches that it makes a huge difference whether a person believes in the Eucharist as the body and blood of Christ. This is further supported by the belief that Christ is truly present in the Eucharist, which is not believed by other Christian churches.
The Catholic Church does not judge others' personal beliefs, but it asks non-Catholics not to receive Holy Communion. If it allowed non-Catholics, the Church would have to investigate each person's beliefs, which is not feasible. Therefore, it assumes that all Catholics believe in the Eucharist in the way the Church teaches. By allowing only Catholics to receive communion, the Church is teaching what Christ and his apostles taught according to Scripture. If it allowed everyone to take communion, it would be giving up its responsibility to teach these beliefs.
Some Independent Catholic Churches, such as the American Catholic Church and the Brazilian Catholic Apostolic Church, practice open communion, even allowing non-baptized and non-Christians to receive communion. In the Anglican Communion and other traditional Christian denominations, non-baptized individuals may come forward during communion to receive a blessing from the priest instead of Holy Communion.
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Other Christian denominations practice open communion
Communion, also known as the Lord's Supper or the Eucharist, is a sacred practice observed in various Christian denominations to remember Jesus Christ's sacrifice. The roots of communion can be traced back to the Last Supper, where Jesus shared bread and wine with his disciples. Holy Communion is a common practice among most Christian groups, but there are differences in how it is practiced.
Other Christian denominations that practice open communion include the Church of the Nazarene, the Evangelical Free Church, the Church of God, Community Churches, the Presbyterian Church (USA), Presbyterian-ECO, the Presbyterian Church in America, the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, the United Church of Canada, United Church of Christ, United Methodist Church, the Free Methodist Church, Global Methodist Church, African Methodist Episcopal Church, Foursquare Gospel Church, Association of Vineyard Churches, Metropolitan Community Church, Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Churches of Christ, Assemblies of God, the Reformed Church in America, Seventh-day Adventists, Free Will Baptists, Seventh Day Baptists, and most churches in the Southern Baptist Convention. All bodies in the Liberal Catholic Movement practice open communion as a matter of policy.
The Christian churches and the Calvary Chapel, as well as other nondenominational churches, also practice open communion. The Uniting Church in Australia invites all attendees to participate in communion. The Churches of Denmark, Norway, and Sweden are also open communion churches.
Some Independent Catholic Churches, such as the American Catholic Church in the United States, the American National Catholic Church, and the Brazilian Catholic Apostolic Church, practice open communion, sometimes even allowing non-baptized and non-Christians to receive communion. The Anglican Communion and many other traditional Christian denominations allow those who are not baptized to come forward in the communion line and receive a blessing from the priest instead of Holy Communion.
Within Nontrinitarian groups, the Church of God General Conference practices open communion, as do many Unitarian and Universalist Christian churches such as King's Chapel in Boston, Massachusetts. The Moravian Church, Wesleyans, and the Christian and Missionary Alliance also practice open communion. Within the Latter Day Saint movement, the Community of Christ practices open communion.
Some parts of the Lutheran Church, including the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada, and many members of the Lutheran World Federation, practice open communion and welcome all baptized Christians to commune.
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Catholics believe other churches do not have the same presence
The Catholic Church does not practice or recognize open communion. Generally, it only permits access to its Eucharistic communion to baptized Catholics. This is because Catholics believe that communion is a union with Christ, allowing the believer to share in His body and blood, soul, and divinity. Therefore, receiving Holy Communion is an intimate act that unites the Catholic with their Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Catholics believe that other Christian churches do not have the same presence, and so to be in communion in order to receive Communion, one must be a Catholic in good standing. This means that even Catholics themselves are prohibited from receiving Communion if they have committed a serious sin during the week, as they are no longer considered to be in communion with the Church.
The Catholic Church does not judge others' personal beliefs, but it asks non-Catholics not to receive Holy Communion because it cannot investigate each person's beliefs. It assumes that all Catholics believe in the Eucharist in the way that the Church teaches. The Church holds that to receive the Eucharist, one must believe all that the Catholic Church officially teaches as coming from Christ. For example, it is necessary for Catholics to believe that the pope is the Vicar of Christ on earth and that the Virgin Mary was immaculately conceived.
The Catholic Church does, however, recognize the validity of the Orthodox Eucharist, and so Christians from these churches are welcome to join Communion with Catholics. This is because their priests share the same lineage as Catholic priests, which is traced back to the last supper through the laying on of hands, starting with the apostle Peter.
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Some Independent Catholic Churches practice open communion
The Catholic Church does not practice or recognize open communion. It only permits access to its Eucharistic communion to baptized Catholics. However, there are some exceptions to this rule. For instance, during funeral masses, non-Catholics are allowed to attend. Additionally, Eastern Christians who are not in full communion with the Catholic Church, such as the Eastern Orthodox Church, Oriental Orthodoxy, and Assyrian Church of the East, may receive communion from Catholic ministers if they request it willingly and are properly disposed.
Despite the Catholic Church's stance, some Independent Catholic Churches practice open communion. These include the American Catholic Church in the United States, the American National Catholic Church, and the Brazilian Catholic Apostolic Church. These churches sometimes even allow non-baptized and non-Christians to receive communion. This practice is also observed in the Anglican Communion and other traditional Christian denominations, where those who are not baptized may come forward in the communion line with their arms crossed over their chests to receive a blessing from the priest instead of Holy Communion.
Independent Catholic Churches are part of the independent sacramental movement, where clergy and laity from various faith traditions, including Eastern Orthodox, Lutheran, Anglican, and non-Catholic Christian churches, have separated themselves from their previous institutions. These churches often form "micro-churches" claiming apostolic succession and valid sacraments while remaining unaffiliated with the Roman Catholic Church. They affirm their connection to the Catholic tradition while maintaining their independence from Rome.
The decision to practice open communion within Independent Catholic Churches may be influenced by their desire to foster inclusivity and diversity. Many Independent Catholic clergy and their communities consist of individuals who have felt excluded from mainstream liturgical churches due to factors such as gender, sexuality, race, culture, style of worship, or theology. As a result, Independent Catholic Churches may be more welcoming to individuals from different religious backgrounds and beliefs, including those who are not baptized or non-Christians.
Furthermore, the independent sacramental movement, which includes Independent Catholicism, often has a more open approach to ordination. This means that a larger percentage of members may become priests, including individuals from marginalized groups who have traditionally been denied public roles or leadership positions within the church. By embracing open communion, these churches may be creating a more inclusive and welcoming environment for all individuals, regardless of their religious background or beliefs.
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Frequently asked questions
No, the Catholic Church does not practise or recognise open communion. It permits access to its Eucharistic communion only to baptised Catholics who are in communion with the Church.
Being in communion means sharing in the Church as a fully initiated Catholic in good standing. Catholics believe that Communion allows the believer to be united with Christ by sharing His body and blood.
The Catholic Church believes in Christ's real presence in the Eucharist. Therefore, it believes that other Christian churches do not have that same presence. The Church also follows ancient Christian practice on this matter. Ancient Christians believed that we cannot partake of the Eucharist unless we believe the Christian faith.
