Anglicans and the Eucharist
Some Basic Concepts
Anglican approach to and interpretation of the Holy Eucharist varies among churches of the Anglican Communion and in different traditions of Anglican Churchmanship - such as Anglo-Catholicism (High Church Anglicans) and Evangelical Anglicanism (including Charismatic Anglicans).
Anglican eucharistic theology is diverse in thought and practice. Its sources include what is present in the prayer book, the writings on sacramental theology by Anglican divines, and the regulations and orientations of the many and varied ecclesiastical dioceses. The principal source material is, however, the Book of Common Prayer (BCP). Most Anglican Diocese have their individual BCP and even though there ARE differences, there is considearble overlap.
Anglican eucharistic theologies universally affirm the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist, though Evangelical Anglicans believe that this is a pneumatic presence, while those of an Anglo-Catholic churchmanship believe this is a corporeal presence.
In the former interpretation, those who receive the form or sign of the body and blood (bread and wine) in faith, receive also the spiritual body and blood of Christ. Those who receive the form or sign without faith, or for those who are wicked, Christ is not present spiritually and they consume only the physical signs of this holy presence, which further adds to their wickedness.
In the latter interpretation, there exists the corporeal presence of Christ in the Eucharist, although the precise manner of how that presence is made manifest is a mystery of faith. To explain the manner of Christ's presence, some high-church Anglicans, however, teach and practice the philosophical explanation of transubstantiation whereas MOST move towards consubstantiation (see below).
Important Concepts for the Eucharist:
The bread and wine in the Eucharist is 'changed' into the body and blood of Christ; which holds that the bread and wine used in the Eucharist become the actual body and blood of Christ during the Mass (see outline above).
Christ is present in, with, and under the bread and the wine whenever the Lord's Supper is celebrated.
The celebration of the Lord's Supper on what Christ has done through his death for us.
This view highlights the importance of faith, the Holy Spirit, and the spiritual nourishment believers receive through the Lord's Supper.
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