The Episcopal Church\u2019s national office has given a backhanded blessing to the practice of allowing those not baptized to receive Holy Communion\u201d\u201da practice forbidden by canon law.<\/p>\n
Supporters of Communion without Baptism (CWOB) have argued that relaxing the church\u2019s Eucharistic discipline will serve as a recruiting tool for those outside the faith. However, traditionalists have rejected the practice as uncanonical and contrary to church teaching.<\/p>\n
Last month the Episcopal Church Office of Congregational Vitality posted a video to the national church\u2019s website highlighting the ministry of parish of St Paul & the Redeemer in Chicago. The congregation \u201cexemplifies transformative work,\u201d\u009d the Rev. Bob Honeychurch, the Episcopal Church\u2019s officer for congregational vitality, said, adding that the parish \u201csees its primary point of contact with the wider community through its Sunday morning experience. The worship becomes its witness to the world.\u201d\u009d<\/p>\n