Bishops close "Open Table"

Send Baptism before Eucharist resolution back to Deputies with amendments
July 12, 2012
By George Conger

The House of Bishops of the Episcopal Church has returned Resolution C029 “Access to Holy Baptism and Holy Communion” to the House of Deputies, removing language from the resolution that would permit clergy to omit out of pastoral considerations the requirement that those who partake of the Body and Blood of Christ at the Eucharist be baptized.

Two resolutions seeking to remove the canonical requirement of baptism being a precondition for receiving Holy Communion and a call to study the question of Baptism and Eucharistic hospitality were presented to the 77th General Convention meeting in Indianapolis from 5-12 July 2012. the rest

The Rev. Susan Buchanan of New Hampshire spoke in favor of the original resolution stating she endorsed it because if offered a “both/and” response to the concerns of the church. She stated the committee had “worked hard” to find an acceptable compromise and added that she held an open table at her church.

"We are crazy Christians." she said and "because we have a crazy God. Many of us do offer open table."