Wieczerza Pańska, czyli święta komunia, w tradycji metodystycznej

Abstract

Methodism as a denomination was issued from Anglicanism and there remain its theological roots. In the theology of the Lord’s Supper Methodism inherited form Anglicanism the doctrine of real partaking and of receptionism, as well as the rejection of catholic doctrine of transubstantiation. However John Wesley – the main foundator of Methodism – developed his very own approach to the sacrament of Eucharist, placing it in the wider context of means of grace, that is the ordinary channels through which the God’s grace is conveyed to the believers. In recent decades there was a significant demand from the Methodist faithful and pastors to obtain a deepened and unified doctrinal base for the Eucharistie teaching and practice. This fructified in the lately issued document, adopted in 2004 by the United Methodist Church General Conference, untitled This Holy Mystery: A United Methodist Understanding of Holy Communion. The document brings a fresh approach of the doctrinal matter concerning the Lord’s Supper, setting forth the principies of Methodist teaching, exploring its doctrinal background and giving practical ways of its application. In the ecumenical dialogues the document is welcomed as a useful base for further theological discussions.