Episcopal Church Foundation Vestry Papers - for leading congregations

(Overheard online ...) "Because they were rude to me and treated me like a semiconscious beast they'd shot down from a tree with a tranquilizer after I told them I was hearing impaired, I told them I wouldn't be coming back."

Sounds like an experience I had in church last weekend when I was told that, since I was not a member of their denomination, I could not receive communion (and no, it was not Catholic - it was Episcopalian). I was undercover as a visitor and, when asked whether or not I am an Episcopalian in good standing, I chose to misrepresent my membership and standing by saying, "No" (even though I am baptized, confirmed, and ordained. The newly-minted priest then informed me (quite politely but firmly) that only Episcopalians are allowed to receive.

Believe it or not, it was a GREAT experience. I got to feel what many of our guests encounter weekly, all across our land. This priest was a little mis-informed but the effect was still the same. I sat in the pew and watched baptized followers of Jesus participate in a meal instituted by a Rabbi who (best we can tell) never baptized anyone.

Can I tell you, it feels pretty odd sitting out there in the pew while everyone else receives! Did the experience make me want to be baptized (again) so that I might receive? No.

Do I think that, if I were not already a baptized member of the Episcopal Church, I would want to be baptized or received or confirmed so that I could? No.

It was lonely and a little off-putting but it did not motivate me to commit myself in new ways so that I could go to the communion rail. I felt sorry for the people returning from communion as they averted their gaze. That's all.

I am sure that I will eventually need to go to confession for misrepresenting myself. Lord, have mercy!

Editor's note: Tom first shared this post on his Facebook page. His experience generated a number of comments - 80 as I type this entry. During this online conversation thread, Tom shared an additional thought:  

Lots of strong words came to mind in the moment but, the more I thought about it, the more I realized the gift that this experience is to me. I received communion at the Homeless ministry in that city later that afternoon. No one there asked me whether or not I am baptized Episcopalian! They even served crusty bread for communion and Welch's grape juice. Afterwards, we shared a meal. It was such a delightful contrast.