Open Up the Communion Table

Do not deny anyone communion.

Ever.

Communion is not a reward. It is not a privilege for the righteous. It is an invitation to step toward God’s table where everyone has enough and everyone a place.

Remember: Jesus fed Judas

~ Benjamin Perry

I have been in wonderful services where the ministers preached messages of hospitality, inclusion, and grace only to conclude with closed communion. And even though I might have had the credentials to partake, I chose to remain seated in an act of solidarity with those who were excluded, to whom the invitation was denied.

My silent protest might have gone unrecognized and unseen, but my conscience would not allow me to share in the “blessing” that was so obviously conditional.

I believe that Jesus taught and modeled an absolutely radical hospitality that welcomed even enemies to come, taste and see. His hospitality puts so many of our efforts to shame. To put boundaries on who is in and who is out, who is worthy and who is not, who gets the bread and wine and who goes hungry, is antithetical to all Christ did and all he was about. Of that I will not join in and will gladly abstain.

Communion is nothing if it’s not for everyone.