Pilgrim,

I concur with your observations about Williamson's comments. When I was a young man our church practiced what we called "close communion." This practice only allowed those visitors to be included who made prior request from the elders to participate. Those who requested to take part had to fill our a card declaring their home church, address, and current standing, along with the names of all family members who will take part. This card was then mailed to the elders in their home church showing they had participated in the sacrament when they visited our church. This was standard practice throughout the denomination years ago.

Even members in good standing who were visiting from churches in ecclesiastical fellowship who had not made this request were not permitted to partake. I guess you can see how much effort was being used to control that only members in good standing would participate. However I think that goes beyond what Paul is writing here. I think a clear warning should be issued and then having warned those who participate in an unworthy manner about the consequences the meal should be served.

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Pilgrim asks:

I have often wondered how far the Elders of a congregation would go to prevent someone from partaking of the Supper? For example, let's suppose a woman is known to be living in sin and is under discipline of the Session or Consistory and she has not repented of her sin. What actions should/could the Elders do to prevent this woman from participating in the Supper?

Well, I don't think the elders would take the elements out of her hands physically. However, if she's sitting alone apart from other members the elders simply don't have to offer her the elements since both she and they know she must repent first and then come to the Table.

If she persists in taking the elements even when she's under discipline it may require further discipline which will lead to excommunication. Each case will require individual attention.


Wes