A Case for Closed Communion in Interfaith Contexts

Abstract

This article argues that Communion is a Christian identity-marking rite and thus it is justifiably restricted to Christian participation. A distinction is made between Communion and Jesus’ radically inclusive dining fellowship, the latter providing a model for sharing meals with adherents of other faiths. This article challenges the notion that closed Communion hampers harmonious interfaith relations and encourages Christians to dine with adherents of other faiths in a way that both accomplishes interfaith goals and maintains the integrity of the Christian rite of Communion.