[Libertina]

I read the (many) replies and appreciate that (Catholics ?) took the time to answer. As to the question about taking communion, it is a CHRISTIAN action, not a Catholic one. All Christian churches believe that it is the Body of Christ. Why do you write as though Catholics have the goods on that more than anyone else? Do you think the rest of us Christians just look at Communion as a snack during the service? It seems so very haughty.

For a Christian church to deny Christian visitors communion is indefensible IMO. I lived in a place where I had no option but a Catholic church, so I should be denied communion because I was only a "Christian"? I have often heard people describe some believers as "Catholic" - not Christian - I can now begin to understand why.

FWIW, the rest of us "lowly" Protestants, Baptists, Episcopalians (Christians) etc. seem to get along fine. I cannot conceive of the elitism and discourteousness of telling a CHRISTIAN in my church that they were not welcome. While the replies to me have been fairly courteous, no doubt some Catholic poster here probably believes we non-Catholics shouldn't even be allowed to comment on this "private" thread...

[omegatoo]

Not all christian churches hold that the consecrated host is the actual, not symbolic, body of Christ.

[narses]

"All Christian churches believe that it is the Body of Christ."

No, sadly. What denomination are you?

[Ann Archy]

Libertina, NO Christian denomination OTHER than the Catholic Church believe that Holy Commnion IS the BODY and Blood of Christ....not a one. They ALL say it is a SYMBOL of the Body and Blood of Christ.....but we Catholics alone believe it IS.

I think you're spoofing here.....what denomination of Christian are you?

[Ann Archy]

You are MORE than welcome to come to Mass in ANY Catholic Church at any time.

[Conservative til I die]

And the lifestyles of the young and clueless continue...

I read the (many) replies and appreciate that (Catholics ?) took the time to answer. As to the question about taking communion, it is a CHRISTIAN action, not a Catholic one.

Uh, no. In a Catholic Church, it's a Catholic thing. That's why it's a *Catholic* Church and not a Methodist Church.

All Christian churches believe that it is the Body of Christ.

What?!? No Protestant Church believes that the Eucharist is the actual Body and Blood of Christ. A few of the "high" Protestant denominations like the Anglicans and Lutherans believe something approaching the Catholic idea on transubstantiation. Most of the other Protestant sects, if they even celebrate the Communion, view it as a symbolic remembrance. In other words, it's still just bread and wine (or in some cases, water or grape juice).

Why do you write as though Catholics have the goods on that more than anyone else?

No one here has said anything even remotely close to this. Catholics have merely stated that Catholic sacraments are reserved for Catholics.

Do you think the rest of us Christians just look at Communion as a snack during the service? It seems so very haughty.

No, it seems so very factual. Like I said, most Protestant groups do no view the Eucharist as the transubstantiated Body and Blood of Christ.

For a Christian church to deny Christian visitors communion is indefensible IMO.

It's custom. You don't have some sort of Constitutional right to our Communion.

I lived in a place where I had no option but a Catholic church, so I should be denied communion because I was only a "Christian"?

Yes. Unequivocally. And I don't buy that you had no option but a Catholic Church.

I have often heard people describe some believers as "Catholic" - not Christian - I can now begin to understand why. FWIW, the rest of us "lowly" Protestants, Baptists, Episcopalians (Christians) etc. seem to get along fine. I cannot conceive of the elitism and discourteousness of telling a CHRISTIAN in my church that they were not welcome.

You're welcome to come to our Church. Just kindly respect our wishes to stay away from our sacrament. PRetend you're a guest in someone's house, and not some ogre, and respect the rules of the house.

While the replies to me have been fairly courteous, no doubt some Catholic poster here probably believes we non-Catholics shouldn't even be allowed to comment on this "private" thread...

[rwfromkansas]

All my Prot church requires is that you belong to a Bible-believing church. We also have a statement about the importance of Communion so people understand what it means.

[xone]

'All Christian churches believe that it is the Body of Christ'

Not true, some believe it only 'represents' the body of Christ. There is a difference. Do you believe as Catholics do in transubstantiation? If not you do the priest a disservice by taking communion.

'It seems so very haughty.'
Understanding what you are doing during communion is important else you eat and drink damnation upon yourself. Responsible churches ensure those partaking of sacraments believe the same way as those administering the sacrament.

In my church, LCMS, we have an advisory in our bulletin about this subject. Talk to the pastor BEFORE approaching the rail, as it is his responsibility as well.