Expert: Clive Heath - 6/8/2011

Question
I am trying to find answers to this question.  As a Born Again Christian, I struggle with how we handle mentally challenged people and the Lord’s Supper?

I notice that they are allowed to partake and now we’re questioning if this is a wise choice.  In some cases, we’ve seen them take a handful of the bread, clearly noting they do not understand the significance of the Lord’s supper.

I guess I’m looking for direction on this.  Should someone who is mentally challenged and does not understand the significance of the Lord’s supper, be allowed to partake?  I know our place of worship has allowed it in the past, and now we are rethinking our decision.

Any help would be appreciated.

Dennis M.

Answer
Hi Dennis,

First of all I am sorry for the delay in repling but I have only just received this.

This is an awkward question and I can only answer it as I see it, I have no doubt that different churches see this in different ways.

My view is that all of us should have the opportunity to know Jesus, no matter who, what or how we are, as all are God's children no matter what.
But we are told that if we are not right with Jesus at the time then we should not participate in communion, but who are we to say or judge just what and who is right, as some as you say do not really know what they are actually doing.

But how do we know what they know about God, really we do not, how do we know that God has not spoken with them or the Holy Spirit has not entered them, we do not.

Either way I have no doubt in my mind that God will have no problem with this, so really why should we, unless of course it is disruptive and then a decision would have to be made.

Just my own opinion Dennis.

Hope this helps.

Regards and God Bless

Clive

So I would say yes they should be allowed to take part.