Many churches offer Holy Communion to members and visitors during worship service during World Communion Sunday (the first Sunday in October) and other days during the year, but sometimes people may not accept this sacrament. Reasons for refusing to partake in communion can be quite varied and might not be as simple as one might expect.
People May Assume They Cannot Take Communion or Be Unsure of What to Do
Some churches have more strict criteria for serving communion than others. Some congregations may have communion restrictions based on age, membership in a particular church or denomination, or many other life situations. Those visiting a church may not be sure whether or not they are invited to partake in communion and may not accept communion for fear of breaking a rule of that church.
Visitors may also feel as if they might be embarrassed to take communion for fear of doing something "wrong." While some churches serve communion at the front of the church, others may walk among the pews to serve the elements. People who are unable to walk to the front of a church may hesitate to ask for the elements to be brought to them.
Some members may immediately eat and drink once served while others churches have everyone to wait until everyone is served before partaking. Imagine being the only one left holding the bread and/or wine and trying to discreetly eat and drink while the congregation begins singing a song...or perhaps you ate and drank and now the entire rest of the congregation is going to partake of communion together!
People May Refuse Communion Due to Allergies, Sensitivities, or Addictions
A recovering alcoholic might refuse to partake in communion if the church serves wine rather than a non-alcoholic beverage during Holy Communion. Sometimes just one taste of alcohol might result in a more difficult recovery. Some people may request a non-alcoholic beverage like grape juice to be served during Holy Communion, but as this letter demonstrates, not all congregations are willing to make that change.
Some people in a worship service may have celiac disease or a gluten sensitivity. People with celiac disease tend to experience damage to their intestines when ingesting even small amounts of wheat, rye, barley, or items that are contaminated with those grains. Some churches offer gluten-free communion sacraments, but people visiting a church or who are unsure of gluten content may refuse to partake in order to avoid intestinal damage and resulting symptoms.
An allergy to an ingredient in communion might result in serious consequences, particularly if the person has a severe allergy. People with food allergies to the ingredients in communion sacraments may refuse to partake in communion or avoid communion services altogether. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention's article entitled Food Allergies, the top eight foods accounting for 90% of food allergies include:
- cow's milk
- egg
- peanut
- tree nuts
- fish
- shellfish
- soybeans
- wheat
Many of the above ingredients and/or alcohol are often found in communion elements; however, more food and drink choices are now available for congregations that wish to avoid common allergens. For example, Welch's grape juice was developed in 1869 in order to offer an "unfermented wine" during communion.
People May Worry About Spreading Germs With Communion
Different churches offer a wide variety of ways to serve communion. While some denominations offer separate cups and bread for each person, other congregations may break pieces from the same loaf of bread or drink from one cup. Other churches may offer intinction, in which the bread is dipped into the cup and then eaten.
Some churches have begun to re-think the potential for spreading germs and viruses like influenza during worship services and may have changed the way they distribute communion due to government recommendations for the prevention of flu or suggestions from those in the congregation. People who might not regularly attend church services may not be aware of changes in how communion is served.
Members who have infections that might be spread via a common communion cup or breaking of a single loaf of bread might avoid partaking in the sacrament in order to protect others.
People May Feel Unworthy to Partake in Communion
Although many churches may welcome people to share in the sacrament of Holy Communion, some may feel unworthy to partake. If the person is unsure of his or her salvation, has unresolved conflicts with others, or feels unprepared emotionally or spiritually to participate in this sacrament, he or she may decide not to participate in a communion service at that time.
Why Do People Refuse Communion and How Can Churches Help?
People may choose not to partake in communion for a variety of reasons. Visitors to churches may find it very helpful to see printed directions or to hear directions for how that particular congregation distributes and partakes in Holy Communion. Providing information about ingredients, particularly common allergens and alcohol content, may help some to make a more informed choice regarding their decision to partake in this sacrament, and those who are not ready emotionally or spiritually to partake in Holy Communion may benefit from a loving and caring atmosphere within the church.
Sources:
CDC article "Food Allergies" last updated 10/23/2008
Flu.gov article "H1N1 Flu: A Guide for Community and Faith-based Organizations"
Welch's Grape Juice web site history page
Katrena Wells - Katrena Wells is a RN in NC with 17 1/2 years of experience in oncology, an educator since 1995, and has taught exercise classes since ...
