Online Celebrations of Holy Communion and Predominantly Online Churches

The Methodist Conference, following a period of discernment since 2021, has decided that online celebrations of Holy Communion should be generally permitted in the Methodist Church.

However, in view of the importance of this matter, it resolved to refer the decision to the Synods to seek their views over the coming year and therefore this will not come into effect yet.

The Conference will confirm or vary its decision when it meets next year. In the meantime, the period of discernment will be extended to provide continued permission for communion online

The Online Celebrations of Holy Communion report is provisional until reconsidered by the Conference next year, the report on Predominantly Online Churches could not be considered in full. However, the Conference directed that preparation for predominantly online churches should continue.

The Conference directed the Ministries Committee to develop content specifically designed to address worship online in the training of local preachers and worship leaders and encouraged circuits to work with worship leaders and local preachers in the development of their skills in the leading of worship online.

The Safeguarding Committee will be tasked to publish guidance for best practice in safeguarding for online communities.

The Revd Dr Mark Rowland, Secretary of the Faith and Order Committee, commented, “We live in a world where engaging online is increasingly an ordinary part of everyday life. It is only right that this should be possible for worship, mission and fellowship just as it is for other things. The Methodist Church is on a journey, and the Conference’s decision represents an important step on the way as we continue to develop our worship and mission in the 21st century.”