By Jim Brown
December 11, 2002

(AgapePress) - A United Methodist study committee continues to exchange ideas on how to welcome those who take part in communion. The committee is hoping to produce a document that accurately reflects the denomination's teaching and practice regarding communion.

United Methodists have historically believed in "open communion." According to the denomination's news service, the Holy Communion Study Committee is looking to create a "centrist" document regarding the meaning and importance of the sacrament.

Mark Tooley

Mark Tooley with the Institute on Religion and Democracy says oddly, but perhaps delightfully, even theological liberals have acknowledged the lack of seriousness given to communion.

"So that says it's helpful and it's an evangelistic tool even within the church," Tooley says. "I think anyone who begins to address holy communion seriously comes to a renewed appreciation for what Christ literally did for us in giving His own life to atone for our sins."

According to Tooley, the average pastor does not fully explain what communion is all about. He says it is typical that the local church -- whether it be theologically conservative or liberal -- will go through the liturgy they use every month, with little or no explanation about the meaning behind it.

"That's part of a larger problem in Methodism and in mainline Protestantism," he says. "It's not confined just to liberal churches, but [it is] common to all mainline churches that there is a lack of specific theological teaching and a lack of appreciation for the full history of the Church and how it developed its doctrines."

Tooley adds that there are some in the denomination who would like to exploit the Methodist understanding of the Lord's Supper being open to all people, as a way to justify all behaviors and to promote the homosexual agenda.

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