Kinderkommunie in diskussie

Abstract

In this article the issue concerning the admission of children to the Lord's Table is investigated. This issue has already been addressed positively by John Calvin. However, his response depended on the condition that children should confess their faith publicly prior to partaking of Holy Communion. Scripture does not supply explicit material in this regard. 1 Corinthians 11 , however, slates that communicants should have the ability to examine their lifestyle and evaluate the very nature of their faith. They should also have the ability to distinguish between the meaning of bread and wine as signs of Christ's body within the context of Holy Communion, and bread and wine as part of an ordinary meal. It is suggested that even children can have this ability to distinguish properly - an indication supported by the Easter practice where children were allowed to partake of the ceremony. The article concludes by stating that pedocommunion should indeed be considered carefully.