Comments on: Should Children Attend Communion?

By: Flo Fflach

Flo Fflach — Sat, 15 May 2010 09:22:42 +0000

I realise now how the religious society of friends has so much time to discuss issues that affect us outside of the meeting for worship! I was baptised into the anglican church – because my mother was (all the rest of my family her parents included were non conformists of a wide variety). But that is a far as it goes. I’ve attended anglican chuches and catholic mass (where I have received blessings). It is interesting to read the thoughts/debates. I often wonder about the difference between anglican – confirmation then first communian – and (westen) catholicism – first communion then confirmation….

By: Larisa

Larisa — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 00:03:55 +0000

In the bible, didn’t the first century Christians break the bread/body and drink the wine and a dinner setting? Paul admonished those who ate more while others went hungry and also admonished those that got drunk! It doesn’t mention whether or not children were present, but I’d find it hard that at this meeting of the church body that everyone left their kids at home!… so would they have denied their children at least some bread to eat?

By: Esther

Esther — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 01:12:58 +0000

I too believe that children should be allowed to commune. Some churches allow them to commune first, and prior to them partaking, have a teaching session of a few minutes, on a child’s level of understanding. Do they not learn by example. Satan will teach them and allow them to partake of sinful actions, no matter what age. So where is our wisdom here? Lost? Jesus did day, Suffer the little children to come unto me, for of such is the kingdom of heaven. Is not partaking of communion “a coming unto Jesus?” For the sake of peace, I quietly disagree with the practice to refuse children communion. But it truly disturbs my spirit.

By: Bret

Bret — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 02:46:02 +0000

Amen Calley!! When we get “religion” out of the church and simply embrace Jesus with child like faith and let Him manifest His life in us & through us then we will begin to see the church as the Lord intended it.

By: Calley

Calley — Mon, 20 Aug 2007 02:40:16 +0000

Even in the Old Testament times the children were taught about the Passover meal, and were allowed to take it. They were taught from generation to generation what is was and why they did it. I think children should be taught by their parents as to why we take it, and to help them understand through out Lord Jesus. It was Jesus who said Let the little children come to me. We need to quit getting so religious about it and start asking Jesus to help us with our concerns.

By: Louise

Louise — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 02:10:00 +0000

Do you feel that they should be allowed to be upfront when the deacons and elders are preparing for communion? We are having an issue about this.

By: Neal Cochran

Neal Cochran — Fri, 08 Jun 2007 17:58:02 +0000

First, I believe a child is saved regardless of baptism or not until the age of accountability.
Once they are at the age of accountability, then they should either know or learn what the reason is for being baptized, once they know, then they should be baptized, After that, I believe they need to understand the purpose of communion and then I believe they should be allowed to participate in it. But not until these qualifications are met. This not only goes for children, But for adults too, And I agree with not allowing someone to take it knowing that open everyday sin is in there lives.

By: Stephen

Stephen — Fri, 11 May 2007 16:40:13 +0000

Its great to hear about your little girl, Mary. Thanks for your comments.

By: Mary

Mary — Sun, 06 May 2007 23:54:46 +0000

I agree, we shouldn’t leave them out, unless you mean letting them actually participate in the partaking of the bread and drink. I like the idea of waiting till they’ve been baptized, neither of ours have been baptized yet. Oldest is in baptism classes though, and we’ve had an interesting conversation recently as regards her testimony. She knows she’s a Christian, but she doesn’t remember the actual salvation experience which bothers her. She was just under three when she came and found me, and asked me to “help” her pray for salvation. She was incredibly advanced and understood it all, I wasn’t pushing her into anything.

I did the same thing as a toddler, my mom told me about it, but since I didn’t remember it, I continually felt doubt about my salvation. I always feel that I was really saved when I turned 7 and “re-committed” my heart and life to Christ.

By: Stephen

Stephen — Sun, 06 May 2007 16:56:53 +0000

Hi Keith,

I think the “colloquial singular ‘they’” is fine. I use it all the time, and it has been in use in English since the days of Chaucer. Much better than the alternatives.

Thanks for your thoughts. I agree with what you say.

Regards,
Stephen