Holy Communion: No Children Allowed
Holy Communion: No Children Allowed
Confirmation and First Communion in the LCMS has long been held at the end of 8th grade, or, most normally, at age 14. This is contrary to Luther's desire and to Luther's practice. It is the inheritance of both the enlightenment and pietism. The idea is that the Holy Communion requires an adult faith and understanding. No one thinks that 14-year-olds, post-puberty, phyiscally-capable-of-bearing-children are children. The library calls them "young adults." In many cultures, including Judaism, they would be considered adults from age 13, one year prior to confirmation in the LCMS. Ladies and gentlemen, we've been talking about this for over forty years. We've passed countless resolutions, published books (1960), and formed synodical commissions that for wrote books and made reccomendations (1965). It is time to stop talking and start acting. Children can be worthy communicants. They should not be denied the Holy Communion. At the very minimum first communion needs to be moved earlier than the end of 8th grade. I am not talking here about either infant communion or doing away with catechesis. I am simply saying children should be allowed to commune in accordance with the words of Our Lord "drink ye all of it." I know there are lots of fights to be fought. I know the Queen Mary turns slowly. But 40 years? It has been a generation. It is time to act.Amen! I especially like a commenter's quote: "No one ever thinks that so many fall away after confirmation because they have been given nothing to sustain them in the faith since baptism besides Sunday school crafts..." Talk about neglecting God's gifts... Ethan passed the examination from LSB for communion in the spring... at age 5.
