The Eucharist — our ‘open table’ policy

Liturgical theology has tended to focus on the Last Supper as a model for Eucharistic practice. The Last Supper has predominantly been seen as a gathering of the twelve disciples, and therefore Eucharistic practice has limited access to communion to those deemed to be the ‘faithful’: signed-up members of the Christian community. (Click here for an alternative image of the Last Supper.)

However, Jesus’ table fellowship was predominantly with those who were deemed religious outsiders; he ate and drank in many people’s homes, and those who experienced this table fellowship sometimes underwent profound transformation.

We operate an ‘open table’ policy which we believe stands in the tradition of Jesus’ radical practice of table fellowship with the outsider. All are welcome to receive communion at All Hallows — children, people who identify with other faith traditions, seekers, doubters, believers and half-believers. All we ask is that people bring themselves as they are, and be willing to open their hearts to the love of God as shown in the life of Jesus of Nazareth.

This page was last updated on Saturday, 07 May 2005

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