Comments about ‘Who shall partake? Churches grapple with the question of when to deny sacrament’

I believe that it is up to individuals themselves to make a decision after self-evaluation, as to whether they can or should partake of the holy sacrament or communion. If an individual has commited a SERIOUS sin, such as adultery or homosexuality for example, then out of respect to Christ and while they go through the repentance process, which could take a long period of time for such sins, then they should Not partake of this most sacred emblem.

I believe that communion/sacrament is between the individual and God. If they partake of it unworthly then the burden is on them. Only God knows their heart.

I enjoyed reading the article. I thought it was a well written exploration of the issues that church leaders deal with regarding the sacrament/communion.

Come unto me all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest, were the words of Christ, I feel he would never exclude a penitent person, who is Honestly seeking him and remembering his great sacrifice for mankind. God bless.

well he knows who cares and doesn't care for sure. If it were so true ..and the rules so clear then why did incidents like mtn meadow and racism still exist? But on the other hand , I better worry about my own poor soul that's how I go.Either way it is a powerful commitment...just seems like most are like the saduces and the pharises..when it comes to others. Gossip , critisize and judge seems to be the only principle given with correctness. But I have a feeling we're all going to have to hold onto anything good no matter what belief in the future as the world is changing.I admire all those who are true as you stand out like beacons..thank you for your kindess and charity to me and mine.

We should just let anyone partake of the sacrament? And why not just let anyone attend the LDS Temple, too? Afterall, its just a personal conscience thing. And then lets just let anyone who wants to be the Bishop, or the Stake President, or the Prophet!

Jesus put no conditions on the sacrament, why should mere mortal man?

To:Lucius Vorenus

Please read (1 Corinthians, 11:23-32) Paul clearly puts conditions on receiving the sacrament. It's not something that was just created by mortal men. Unless your willing to concede that it was just mortal men that gave us the Holy Scriptures. Which I might add Jesus didn't write a word of.

This article demonstates the provinciality of a culture that focuses entirely too much on determining "right vs. wrong." It is sad to see such a denegration of moral insensitivity.

How can the Churches really enforce a strict policy that only worthy members can partake?

If they restrict it to members only, what about guests?

Don't the Churches want people to come in freely and listen and learn?

And how can they judge worthiness?

Tough spot - if you put restrictions and obstacles in the way, even fewer people will come.

Make communion or taking the Sacrament available to all who wish it. It's only God's right to judge and he only has the ability to see into mens hearts. There is no mediator between God and a person but for Christ. Not a bishop, priest, pastor, or stake president, just Christ (Acts 4:12). If this (Sacrament) indeed is a blessing, let all share in it and use the process to repent. All men have sinned and fallen short of the glory, or God's expectations for that individual. There has never been a bishop, pastor, or priest, nor Mary, who is without sin. Thusly no one is qualified to judge or toss the first stone. When the words and procedures Jesus spoke of have been superseded by men we have problems. Christ is the only judge. The scriptures warn of the judgements of men, be very wary of anyone wishing to nullify scripture.

Anyone is welcome to take the sacrament. I remember reading an article a few years ago in the new era were an area seventy said too many people pass it up. He was basically saying if you don't commit a major sin take the sacrament. Some people don't take it when they should.

When I joined the LDS Church 10 years ago, I was not permitted to take the sacrament until after I was baptized. I attended two months of church services with the sacrament passing by me without partaking. I did not have a problem with this because it was clearly taught in the Book of Mormon that I should not partake, and I believed the Book of Mormon to be the word of God. I'm not sure why Church "spokesman" Robert Howell would say that the LDS Church "extends the sacrament of communion to anyone who wishes to partake," unless much as changed in the last ten years. When my parents who are not church members go to church with me occasionally, they do not take the sacrament. They do not have a problem with this. When I attend the occasional mass with my Catholic family members, I do not take the communion. Are we so worried about offending people (who most likely would not be offended) that a church spokesman's words take precedent over the scriptures? See 3 Ne. 18:28-30.

28 And now behold, this is the commandment which I give unto you, that ye shall not suffer any one knowingly to partake of my flesh and blood unworthily, when ye shall minister it;
29 For whoso eateth and drinketh my flesh and blood unworthily eateth and drinketh damnation to his soul; therefore if ye know that a man is unworthy to eat and drink of my flesh and blood ye shall forbid him.
30 Nevertheless, ye shall not cast him out from among you, but ye shall minister unto him and shall pray for him unto the Father, in my name; and if it so be that he repenteth and is baptized in my name, then shall ye receive him, and shall minister unto him of my flesh and blood.

(Book of Mormon | 3 Nephi 18:28 - 30)

Wow. That's a lot of anonymous' commenting. Are you all the same person?
interesting article though. each person is an individual with individual problems. these things should be handled on a case by case basis and is between the person, the Bishop, and Heavenly Father. it is not up to me as the person ("saint") sitting next row over or the secretive cameraman to call the shots. pun intended. Let those with true authority handle the situation.

The men of "Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence" have a motto - "Go and sin some more". Their head coverings are in the form of testicles, they dress as women and give out sex toys at their fundraisers.

Canon law 915 states: "Can. 915... and others who obstinately persist in manifest grave sin, are not to be admitted to holy communion." They may not receive the Blessed Sacrament according to Catholic law.

AB Niederuer needs to either utilize or relinguish his authority.

The Catholic Church is not "grappling" about this. They have a law. It is a LAW and must be followed by all Catholics and enforced by all bishops.

OK so here is my take on the whole situation. God is not a respecter of person. So if someone comes and takes of the Sacrament than that is "their" relationship with God; it has nothing to do with mine. I also know that 11 years ago when I joined the church I was asked not to partake of the Sacrament. I do believe this was wrong. I believe this would have helped in my testimony. We are so far behind we may have the truth but we are very foolish. We want others to not judge us but we are the first to judge some one.

The commandments of God includes: Thou shall not judge. For myself, it isn't my place to say what someone can or cannot do in their individual beliefs, I can only pray for God's will in their lives. If we are to be truly honest with ourselves, none of us are worthy of taking His sacrament or entering a church, ward or temple. If it is truly God's house, everyone is welcome! We seem to forget that He knows who we really are whether we are in church or in a shopping mall. It seems we as humans want to dictate who is worthy and who isn't and lose sight that it is God's church or temple, not our own! Even the highest human 'authority' of any religion sins. So why lose the scripture: he who is without sin, cast the first stone? Instead, we should try to be a positive example, not an obstacle! God is the real judge who will decide if we worthy or not. In the end, we will face Him, not eachother.

Pay Taxes on all that land and buildings and you may say whom comes in . In the mean time all building are open to ALL, YOUR RULES