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When pandemic-related public health measures necessitated the closure of Canadian places of worship in early 2020, parish leaders entered into a flurry of activity to tend to difficult and immediate pastoral needs, and to reshape the worshipping and gathering life of their communities. For many, the loss of the capacity to celebrate the eucharist struck hard and the grief that ensued was tough.
A growing number of voices began to advocate for permission to adapt Holy Communion for remote or distanced safe practice, and debates sprang up about the nature of words such as real, virtual, presence and communion.
In response to the emerging discourse and in an effort to facilitate conversation, the Faith, Worship, and Ministry committee of General Synod invited submissions of theological reflections on eucharistic practice and sacramental theology. Over forty submissions were received, which have been collected, edited and organized into this resource, for study and discussion.
The diocese is proud to highlight essays by three local contributors:
- Nancy Ford, Christ Church Cathedral - Eucharistic Practice and Sacramental Theology: Practice Versus Intent
- Brendon Neilson, Synod Office - Hopeful Complications for Our Dialogue
- Leslie Flynn, St. George the Martyr - Gathering Anew: Reflections on Youth Ministry Amidst a Pandemic