Eucharist and Protestant Relations

Document Title

Eucharist and Protestant Relations
Question from on 07-12-2007:
My question is, "If Catholics believe that the true presence of Christ is found in the Eucharist, then what do Catholics believe that Protestants do during their Communion services?" I am a Protestant, and I believe that I come into contact with Christ when I take Communion, I believe that elements are blessed and prayed over. So why is there such a differnence in the beliefs?
Answer by Rev. Mark J. Gantley, JCL on 07-12-2007:
Catholics believe that only true Churches have apostolic succession and valid sacred orders by its bishops and priests. These Churches include the Catholic Church, the Eastern Orthodox Churches, and a few others.

Protestant communities are not considered full churches since they lack apostolic succession and valid sacred orders. Valid orders of bishops and priests are required to have a valid celebration of the Eucharist. The Catholic Church usese the term "ecclesial communities" to describe Christian denominations that do not have valid orders and thus do not celebrate the Eucharist validly. So we do not recognize the validity of your celebration of communion.

Perhaps your beliefs are close to that of the Catholic Church than those of your Protestant community. We do welcome new members if you're interested.

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