I don't know about ELCA but in the LCMS we require that the communicant not only understands what communion is but when they take communion they are also adhering to the Lutheran beliefs. That is a requiremnt. Hence the need for confirmation and the teaching of confirmation so that the new confirmant understand our teachings. I also think that is the reason you don't put much stress on confirmation.We should be clear though that when we discuss eating worthily as Lutherans we talk only and always about possessing faith. For only by faith is the forgiveness received and only by lacking faith does one eat and drink to their own damnation (that is to say, it does not justify ex opera operato).
I don't know about ELCA but in the LCMS we require that the communicant not only understands what communion is but when they take communion they are also adhering to the Lutheran beliefs. That is a requiremnt. Hence the need for confirmation and the teaching of confirmation so that the new confirmant understand our teachings. I also think that is the reason you don't put much stress on confirmation.
The way you present it is that the communicant only understands what communion is and not agreement with basic Lutheran teaching. That might be the reason that someone in the ELCA can take communion with another denomination that doesn't believe true Lutheran theology.
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I'm not certain that is entirely true. Not only do some LCMS congregations practice first communion, which is preceded by a class on communion not Lutheran doctrine, but there are congregations in the LCMS that have a statement of faith regarding communion in their bulletin and invite any to come who share these beliefs. Again, that is not basic Lutheran doctrine, only doctrine around communion.
The LCMS church I previously attended required instruction in Lutheran doctrine and beliefs prior to receiving Communion. It was I believe a 12-week course, where we studied the Small Catechism and the Bible. We did not solely focus on the teaching of Communion alone. We studied other teachings related to Lutheran belief.
but that is far from a universal practice within the LCMS which is my point. I've been to plenty of LCMS congregations that do differently.
In my church, you may be allowed to commune if you agree with the teachings on communion...even if you are not LCMS. If you want to be a member, then you much take a confirmation class...but if you are a visitor, you may still be allowed to commune based on your beliefs about communion. It is considered on a case by case basis by the pastor.
My pastor did not allow me to commune until I was confirmed, even though I did already believe in the teachings on communion. This bugged me to no end...not that I disagreed with his position...I just REALLY wanted to take communion. I was worth the wait.
So you've attended the Confirmation classes at plenty of LCMS congregations? If not, I don't see how you can make that statement with any certainty.
I went through classes twice because I moved in the middle of the process
No I have not attended confirmation classes at plenty of LCMS churches, what I said is I have been to plenty of LCMS churches that have a different communion practice. When you are at churches that have 1st communion classes or have statements about who may partake you don't need to sit in on the confirmation class to know.
Keep in mind also I was formerly LCMS and confirmed LCMS.
My WELS church invites people from other WELS churches who are visiting to come to the rail and also members of the ELS church are welcome to come to the rail. But whenever you are visiting a church you should meet with the pastor and make sure you can partake. We do also ask those who are not members of these church bodies to refrain from coming up to receive Communion.
But how do you prove you are indeed WELS or ELS? Do you have a membership card? A secret handshake?
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