Practice and Theology of the Lord´s Supper

Practice and Theology of the Lord's Supper, (edited by Jochen Arnold, Stefan Cosoroaba, Christine Oefele)

Theology usually comes first when dealing with a church-related topic. This work was different: starting from liturgical practice, the working group explored the central theological elements of worship and concluded that openness in dealing with forms is important, but that the words of institution, the prayer of thanksgiving, the Lord's Prayer and the epiclesis should not be omitted from a Protestant service.

The working group also addressed the question of how to deal with unbaptised people and baptised people who no longer have any connection to the church when it comes to communion. How open should the church be? Should it open its doors (be welcoming) or should it actively invite people in, thereby also drawing attention to the liturgical and missionary activities of the church?

How inviting can a communion service be to occasional visitors who are unfamiliar with the procedures? How does the communion community change when children are included? What music is appropriate? How should the church look in order to be inviting?

At the end of the book, there are two articles on inclusive worship that focus on the aspects of healing and music. This is because the CPCE member churches want the Eucharist to be inclusive in the name of the one who preached love for one's enemies.