EXPLAINED Holy Communion / /

THE Salvation Army believes Christians do not need to practise sacraments like Holy Communion to receive God’s grace and forgiveness. This reminds Salvationists of the dangers of putting trust in external rituals rather than the God they point towards.

In 1996, General Paul Rader (Retired) appointed an International Spiritual Life Commission. Among the topics discussed was whether the Army should adopt a form of Communion. The Commission released a statement clarifying the Army’s position.

The Commission encouraged Salvationists to explore the ‘significance of the simple meals shared by Jesus and his friends, and by the first Christians’. Such fellowship meals could be adapted according to culture, without ritualising words or actions, providing opportunity for creative worship and participation.

The Army believes Jesus is ‘the one true Sacrament’ and that ‘sacramental living – Christ living in us and through us – is at the heart of Christian holiness and discipleship’. This is echoed by General Albert Orsborn’s song ‘My Life Must Be Christ’s Broken Bread’ (SASB 610). Any event where God is truly received therefore becomes sacred. This leads many to say grace before meals – putting Christ in the proper place of honour.

The Army is not opposed to Christians finding spiritual benefit in Communion and Salvationists are not banned from partaking in Communion at other Christian gatherings.

The Commission’s report was expanded upon in Called to Be God’s People by Commissioner Robert Street, who observed: ‘It is all-too-possible to carelessly take the presence of Christ for granted when a company of believers meets.’

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