Expert: Professor Noel Cox - 12/18/2011

Question
Professor Cox,

I’m a Methodist, but I frequently worship our Lord in a small Episcopal parish. Is it acceptable to partake of the Lord’s Supper in non-Liturgical, Ordinance based churches (Baptist, Cambellites, Pentecostals, etc)? Especially since these groups deny my Baptism?

Since these groups deny the sacramental role of the Eucharist, is the sacramental nature of the Eucharist still present even though these groups don’t use a liturgy and even deny the Lord’s Supper to even be a sacrament? Even though these groups have a misunderstanding of the Eucharist, that wouldn’t stop God from dispensing His grace through the elements, right? All of these differences can get rather confusing.

I live in the rural South (USA), and these groups are dominant in my area. As a bachelor, I sometimes court ladies who are members of these churches and at times I find myself in the places. I’ve never partaken of the elements in these places, but I’m wondering if I should? Am I wrong or right not to?  

I have to admit that I don’t feel comfortable in these churches due to our obvious theological differences. However, just because they deny my baptism (in essence denying what God has done in my life) doesn’t mean I should treat them the same. I believe that the Word says to not repay evil with evil.

I really need to be educated on this matter. I greatly appreciate your assistance!

Peace be with you & Merry Christmas!

Eric

Answer
Dear Eric,

You are quite right to have ambivalent feelings in such a situation. The belief that Eucharist lacks a sacramental aspect, coupled with the weakened liturgy mean that the Eucharist in such a church can scarcely be compared to that it an Episcopal setting. They emphasise the commemorative role of the Eucharist, of course, which renders it improbable (in the absence of what is usually referred to as the manner and form) that the Flesh and Blood of our Lord is present - not that Transubstantiation is a universal belief in Anglicanism. God's grace can be derived through the commemoration even if the elements are not transformed due to inadequacy of liturgical manner and form, or even in the absence of an ordained minister.

Personally I would argue that it is acceptable to partake, as a commemoration, in obedience to the injunction so to do. Some might decry this, on the basis that it is a sham or a mockery of the Holy Communion. But I think that if it is reverently done, in accordance with the authorised liturgy of the church you are attending, then it is acceptable, especially where an Episcopal Eucharist is not within a reasonable travelling distance.

We may not recognise their "sacrament", just as they might not recognise our own sacrament of baptism, but they are still a community of Christians, however imperfect, and God's love includes them also.  

One word of caution, however. Not all Episcopal priests would agree with this broad approach. Some might even bar you from receiving communion at their own church, on the grounds that you had participated in a non-Episcopal Eucharist. I would recommend seeking the views of any neighbouring Episcopal priest in a church which you might occasionally frequent.

Merry Christmas to you!

Noel Cox