Re: Conflicts, contrasts or differences between Catholics and Protestants in Great Britain

On 2006-04-20, Andrew McMullon <andrew@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
In article <8o8kh3-14i.ln1@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Adam Funk <a24061@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:

On 2006-04-19, Michael J Davis <?.?@trustsof.demon.co.uk> wrote:

(ii) We need to remember that many RC's are not able to receive
communion in their own church. I think mainly of those who are in
irregular marriages (eg married to someone who is divorced but whose
previous spouse is still living), but there are other reasons. These
people also suffer the pain of separation from the Eucharist.

So they're not allowed (by the RCC) to receive Communion anywhere,
under any circumstances?

Well it isn't really communion anywhere else so it can't do them any
good, nor any harm.

Are they still saying *that*?


However, I think RCs are told not to take the elements in churches of
other denominations - except perhaps in very desperate circumstances.

I'm often asked by RCs whether they are allowed to communicate in an
Anglican service so I tell them that they may do so under Anglican
rules (communicant members of other Trinitarian Churches welcome - or
even "all who love the Lord") but that their own rules don't allow it.

I found the exact phrasing: "Baptized persons who are communicant
members of other Churches which subscribe to the doctrine of the Holy
Trinity and are in good standing in their own Church shall be admitted
to Communion in accordance with Canon B 15A."

Does "communicant members" mean "non-excommunicated members" or
"members who are allowed to receive Communion in their own churches"?
The latter interpretation would technically exclude RCs in "irregular
marriages", although I'd be very surprised if the CofE intended to
exclude them.


The surprising thing (is it really?) is that most visiting RCs then
proceed to come forward quite happily to take the elements alongside
everyone else.

It's ecumenical and therefore IMHO a good thing.
.

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