laudable Practice

In the sixth of his 1807 Bampton Lectures, On the Nature and Guilt of Schism , Le Mesurier's questioning of Roman Catholic claims, in traditional Old High fashion, can (obviously) leave us, in a radically changed ecumenical context, very uncomfortable. That said - as, hopefully, this series of posts has demonstrated - there are significant explorations of Anglican piety amidst the polemics. This is also the case with today's short extract: I must bid you recollect that other act of most abominable presumption, by which, in express derogation of our Lord's institution, the cup in the eucharist is denied to the laity; thus also unduly exalting the clergy above their brethren: which practice they themselves justify only as a mere ordinance of the church. It is a reminder of how receiving in both kinds - fundamental to Anglican eucharistic practice - exemplifies, and is very close to the heart of, the domesticity of Prayer Book piety, with its rejection of a sacerdotal and cler...

The common cup may now be shared. So says the Church of England's most recent Covid-19 guidance , issued on 25th January, repeating the guidance given in December. It is, therefore, a rather odd time to renew the campaign to allow the administration of the Eucharist by means of individual cups : after all, the Covid-19 restrictions are being eased across society, the bishops have judged it appropriate to restore the Chalice to the faithful, and there is now no pressing need to consider alternatives. Unless, of course, this campaign has never really been about public health concerns but, rather, about altering Anglican eucharistic practice and theology .  The Book of Common Prayer 1662 makes clear, explicit provision for what is to happen with "consecrated Elements" remaining after the faithful receive the Sacrament: When all have communicated, the Minister shall return to the Lord's Table, and reverently place upon it what remaineth of the consecrated Elements, coveri...