Delegates adopt theology of communion

New 16-page document
explains what UMs think
about Eucharist

United Methodist News Service
PITTSBURGH—What do United Methodists think about Holy Communion?
The answer to that question, and to many others about the ritual and theology of the Eucharist, is found in “This Holy Mystery: A United Methodist Understanding of Holy Communion.”
General Conference delegates approved that document May 7 as the denomination’s official, interpretive statement on the sacrament. The 16-page paper clarifies United Methodist Holy Communion tradition, theology and practice for local churches.
The paper also shows how the denomination is in accord with ecumenical movements in sacramental theology and practice.
Delegates approved another action requesting that denominational agencies:
> Develop teaching resources related to Holy Communion for use with the document.
> Provide print and electronic resources for United Methodists on celebrating the Eucharist.
The conference recommended “This Holy Mystery” as a resource for congregations to use with the communion services in The United Methodist Hymnal and The United Methodist Book of Worship.
The “Holy Mystery” document was the product of a 19-member task force of the General Board of Discipleship. The resource emphasizes that when people come to the communion table, they are not simply remembering something Jesus did 2,000 years ago, said the Rev. Gayle Felton, author of the document.
“When we come,” she said, “we encounter and experience something that is happening then and there. We are not exercising recall.”