Friday, July 19, 2013

Holy Communion in Homegroups etc.

I notice that "The House of Bishops recognizes the value of an occasional celebration of Holy Communion in ... [home groups or other parish groups] when a priest must preside.".

(Guidelines on Holy Communion by extension, http://www.churchofengland.org/prayer-worship/worship/texts/extension/extensionend.aspx)

I wonder how this fits with Canon B40:

B 40 Of Holy Communion elsewhere than in consecrated buildings

No minister shall celebrate the Holy Communion elsewhere than in a consecrated building within his cure or other building licensed for the purpose, except he have permission so to do from the bishop of the diocese: Provided that at all times he may celebrate the Holy Communion as provided by Canon B 37 in any private house wherein there is any person sick, or dying, or so impotent that he cannot go to church.

(http://www.churchofengland.org/about-us/structure/churchlawlegis/canons/section-b.aspx)

Is the Minister really expected to contact the Bishop if he is thinking of having a Communion service with a homegroup or other parish group other than in the parish church?

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