How Inclusive Is Your Communion Table?
Our churches do not intend to exclude anyone, but we may exclude people if we are not aware of who really wants to be included. Enact the good news of Christ's welcome at his table for all, including:
Children. Children love food and love being included when food is shared. When a child has been baptized, there is no biblical or theological reason to refuse the child Holy Communion. Children are members of the church, and they rightfully belong at the table. (See The Book of Discipline--1996, paragraphs 215 and 216.) Children perceive the good news of their belonging and the bad news when they are left out. Help them appreciate the Lord's Supper.Picture your congregation and community. Are there others who may be excluded? What could be done to include them? "Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry...?" (Matthew 25: 37.)
People who are gluten (wheat product) intolerant. Of course, these people could just take the cup and skip the bread -- except when the method of taking Communion is intinction (dipping the bread in the cup). What can be done? One option is to include a rice cake with the bread on the table and invite gluten intolerant people to identify their need for the "rice bread" when they come to Communion.
People with mobility handicaps. Most congregations have some people who will have difficulty making the journey to the chancel rail. When the people are invited to come to the table, the pastor might also ask if there are any who desire the elements to be brought to them. Those people may then be served in their seats.
Racial/ethnic/people; gay and lesbian people. Persons who have experienced rejection and exclusion in the society at large may be unsure of how they will be received if they are new in your faith community. An atmosphere of hospitality and welcome from the time they arrive will make the invitation to share the meal genuine and believable.
Prepared by Daniel Benedict, retired staff, Discipleship Ministries.
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