[Jorge]

Whether you believe in Catholic doctrine or not, if you understand how it is we see it, you can see why this is appallingly horrid.

Of course. Flushing a Communion wafer down a toilet is clearly an insult to the Christian faith in general.

However, I can see how refusing Communion to a Protestant Christian by Catholics was also insulting, because it happened to me once, and I have never gone back to a Catholic Church since.

[frogjerk]

However, I can see how refusing Communion to a Protestant Christian by Catholics was also insulting, because it happened to me once, and I have never gone back to a Catholic Church since.

How could you receive the Body and Blood of Christ in the Catholic Church when you do not believe it is the Body and Blood of Christ? All people are welcome to come to any Catholic Church but you should respect the religion of the house you are attending as well as your own denomination.

[AnAmericanMother]

You may have felt insulted, but refusing the Eucharist to non-Catholics is a necessary consequence of the difference in beliefs between Protestants and Catholics.

Because Catholics believe that the Host is Christ Himself, truly present, Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity, and most Protestants do not (excepting some Episcopalians - the ones who aren't really Protestant ;-) ) it would be sacrilegious to offer communion to someone who does NOT believe in transubstantiation. Just as it would be sacrilegious for a Protestant to offer communion to somebody that he knows is an atheist.

[AlguyA]

"However, I can see how refusing Communion to a Protestant Christian by Catholics was also insulting, because it happened to me once, and I have never gone back to a Catholic Church since."

I am sorry you felt insulted. In fact, from our perspective, refusing you Communion is an act of Love. First, had you been allowed to recieve Communion, it would have implied your consent to the doctrines of the Roman Catholic Church -doctrines you obviously do not accept. Hence, by denying you Communion, we preserved for you your own integrity.

Second, being non-Catholic, it seems probable you are ill-equipped to ascertain at this point whether you are worthy to recieve Communion. St. Paul warns that those who recieve Communion unworthily (ie by 'not discerning the Body and Blood) drink condemnation on themselves. Hence, it is out of concern for your own immortal soul that Communion is withheld.

I understand you won't accept these provisions, but from our standpoint they are necessary out of a concern for you.

[Chode]

you do know you can't receive Communion in a Catholic Church even if you are Catholic unless you went to Confession first don't you???

did you go to Confession before you were refused???

if not... don't blame the Church because YOU didn't go to Confession.

[Salvation]

** I have never gone back to a Catholic Church since.**

You are always welcome to return to the church. Make an appointment and sit down and talk with a staff member or a priest. Or attend a class for Returning Catholics -- someone there can help you.

[sneakers]

"However, I can see how refusing Communion to a Protestant Christian by Catholics was also insulting, because it happened to me once, and I have never gone back to a Catholic Church since."

I'm a Catholic and *I* can't receive communion without going to confession. If you don't believe as we do, why would it bother you? It is not simply a symbol to us. Communion in the Catholic Church should be approached with reverence, BELIEF and the full understanding of WHO one is about to receive. It was nothing against you personally. Many non-Catholics do not understand this and do take it personally. However, perhaps when you are going to attend the services of another faith, it would be best to find out what is expected before you go. If I were going to go to a Jewish Synagogue for services, I would hope I would try to learn, before hand what is, and is not, permitted and/or expected of me.