66%
Confidence
Belief overview
Holy communion as means of grace and open table
Communion is understood as a means of grace and, in many Methodist churches, practiced with broad hospitality.
2
Supportive
0
Contrary
1
Neutral
What it is: Methodism understands holy communion as a means of grace instituted by Christ and a regular source of spiritual strengthening.
How the tradition understands it: In many Methodist contexts, the table is practiced openly to Christians of various traditions and, in some cases, to people seeking God, according to local discipline. The focus falls on encounter with Christ, memory, thanksgiving, and renewal of discipleship.
Basis and context: Wesley defended frequent participation in communion and considered it central to Christian life.
Debates and variations: The degree of openness of the table and the formulation of the presence of Christ vary among Methodist churches.
Documentary evidence
Supportive
UMC.org, Holy Communion
An official explanation of communion in the United Methodist tradition.
Reference: UMC.org, What do I need to know about Holy Communion in the United Methodist Church?
Content: The text presents communion as a means of grace and discusses its regular and hospitable practice.
Use in debate: It is an important source for communion, means of grace, and the open table.
UMC.org, The Wesleyan Means of Grace
An official text on the means of grace and their division into piety and mercy.
Reference: UMC.org, The Wesleyan Means of Grace.
Content: The material explains works of piety and works of mercy as practices through which God strengthens faith.
Use in debate: It is a central source for the means of grace and social holiness.
Neutral
1 Corinthians 11:23-26
The tradition of the Lord's Supper.
Reference: 1 Corinthians 11:23-26.
Content: Paul hands on the tradition of the supper in memory of Christ until he comes.
Use in debate: It is the principal basis for the supper as a memorial ordinance in many Baptist churches.