Eucharistic Theologies Summarised - Methodist Churches

Methodist Churches

  • Primary theological development from John and Charles Wesley, 18th-century Anglican presbyters
  • Because of its historical roots, much Methodist Eucharistic thought is similar to "Broad Church" Anglican thought. Some elements of "High Church" and "Low Church" Anglicanism can be found among Methodists. United Methodists tend to be more "High" in theology, if not in practice, whereas Nazarenes tend to be "Low" in both theology and practice.
  • Eucharist is celebrated on Sundays and Holy Days, like Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, but never without a congregation. While monthly observance was once the most commonly found experience, since the 1980s weekly celebration has become more common, and not just on Sundays.
  • Eucharistic theology: "Jesus Christ...is truly present in Holy Communion...The divine presence is a living reality and can be experienced by participants; it is not a remembrance of the Last Supper and the Crucifixion only." (from This Holy Mystery). Like the Eastern Orthodox, Methodists typically affirm the Real Presence while refraining from speculation about the nature of the transformation. Methodists do, however, officially reject the Roman Catholic dogma of transubstantiation.
  • See John Wesley, open communion, This Holy Mystery

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