Holy Communion breaks down barriers, clergy say

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS)--Holy Communion helps unify congregations with a diversity of language, culture, age and race. 

That's the conclusion of United Methodist clergy who discussed Holy Communion practices in Korean, Hispanic and African-American congregations during a conference April 26-28 in Nashville, Tenn. 

"Holy Communion breaks the language barrier," said the Rev. Hyuk Seonwoo, pastor of Zion Korean United Methodist Church in Warwick, R.I. 

Seonwoo conducts Holy Communion in two languages, he said, because there is a gap between generations. Children and youth, who have a good command of English, worship downstairs. But they join adults in the sanctuary for Holy Communion. 

After 18 months of education about Holy Communion, the church began offering it weekly in 2002. It was not easy in the beginning, Seonwoo said. At first church members felt that weekly communion was less holy. But now, he said, "People keep telling that they have a deep sense of 
reverence." 

Holy Communion transcends cultures as well as language, said Bishop Minerva G. Carcaño of the Phoenix Area in an address at the conference. "The culture that shapes our understanding of this holy sacrament is one that transcends all cultures," she said. "I also believe that sitting with each other and sharing the good news imparted to us through the sacrament of Holy Communion can do wonders for breaking down the hostile walls of racism and division among us." 

Carcaño said she is grateful for the National Plan for Hispanic Ministry that involves the entire United Methodist denomination, but she is concerned that "we are still not growing sufficient Hispanic leaders, 
lay and clergy, to help lead and guide these very positive developments in ministry." 

She also expressed hope that conversations between United Methodists and Roman Catholics will some day lead to sharing Holy Communion together. "May it be so by God's grace," she said. 

The Rev. Joseph Daniels, pastor of Emory United Methodist Church in Washington said Holy Communion helps bring together people of many different nationalities, ages and races in his predominantly black 
congregation. "It's at the table where all barriers are broken," he said. 

Since moving to weekly communion last summer, Daniels said he has discovered that the church "can use pieces from our various cultures and incorporate them into our worship." Playing a popular gospel song during communion rather than a traditional hymn helped both older and younger 
members relate to the service. 

"Music bridged the gap," Daniels said. "There are creative things we can do to experience God in profound and powerful ways."  (United Methodist News Service)

* White is associate editor of Interpreter Magazine and Interpreter 
OnLine.