"Online Communion?"
The United Methodist Church Debates Offering Virtual Service
posted about 11 years ago
Many churches offer communion. While this article specifically mentions the internal debate within the United Methodist Church regarding online communion, the internal dispute is likely faced by many churches. What do you think the United Methodist Church should do? Has your church faced this same internal debate?
The article mentions some conflicting reasons for and against the idea of online communion. Are these reasons valid? What reasons would you add to support your view?
Please express your thoughts as a comment below.
** Just like in the Mosaic, we hope you'll consider this forum a "safe space". Please feel free to be honest and open, while keeping in mind that it is essential to be respectful to the beliefs and experiences of your fellow students, staff, and faculty. Rather than merely react to a comment that you consider inaccurate, inappropriate or offensive, try to view these comments as an opportunity to absorb and learn from a new perspective, viewpoint or belief system. **
(edited about 11 years ago)
Selected Answer...
I went to a Methodist church when I was younger, and I know my particular church is having a really hard time offering the type of community that young people want to be a part of. They've seen hugely decreasing membership.
I think it's good that they're making changes to keep up with changing culture, rather than sticking with "community is only possible in person." I think maybe people who start doing communion online could decide to connect with other people in the group local to them -- like what happens in all kinds of tumblr and reddit meetups, etc.
