Reception into communicant membership

Description

This article outlines the process for receiving baptised communicant members of other Churches into full communicant membership within the Anglican Church, using the Reception Canon 1981.

General

The Admission to Holy Communion Canon of General Synod allows a baptised, communicant memberof another Church that professes the Apostolic faith to receive Holy Communion in the Anglican Church.This is considered interim hospitality; it doesn’t make the person a communicant member of the Anglican Church.

If such a person becomes a customary member of the congregation, regularly receives HolyCommunion, and is likely to continue doing so, the priest should inform them of the Church’s usual process for becoming a communicant member.

Reception into membership

The Reception Canon 1981 provides an alternative to Confirmation for bringing these individuals intocommunicant membership. It grants them the same status as someone who has been confirmed.

• The Form of Service for Reception may be used for baptised communicant members of anotherChurch, whether or not they have been episcopally
• The Bishop is the Minister of
• Reception may take place during a Confirmation service, immediately after the laying on of hands.
• It may also be held at another time and place, as the Bishop

The priest should ensure proper preparation is given to anyone wishing to be received.

Record keeping

• Record the Reception in the Confirmation Register of the parish, but separately from those confirmed.
• A list of names should be submitted to the Bishop’s
• A certificate should be prepared and signed by the
• Until a specific certificate is created, the Confirmation Certificate may be used, replacing the word Confirmed with Received into Communicant Membership.

Related resources

• Admission to Holy Communion Canon
• Reception Canon 1981