Reflections on Holy Communion 2

There are rules, there is ettiquette to this meal, but most of them protect your privilege to a plate at the family meal. The minister is the servant, not the host. No one can stop you coming simply because they don’t like you. It is a grave thing to refuse a family member a seat at the table. And though sometimes this may be necessary, it is not entered into lightly. And yet like the attentive aunt, the minister must attempt to see conflict resolved, wounds healed, and fights ceased before we sit down to eat. Let us eat in peace and please the host!

Have you ever asked permission of the Bishop to refuse communion? If not, why not?