United Methodist Law and Holy Communion
The Articles of Religion In 1784, John Wesley gave the newly independent Methodists in America 25 articles of religion, adapted from those in use in the Church of England. The Articles continue to be established doctrine for the United Methodist Church. The closing text of Article 18 says, "The Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper was not by Christ’s ordinance reserved, carried about, lifted up, or worshiped". These final words were aimed at Catholic practices that flow from the doctrine of transubstantiation. There, Christ's presence in the consecrated host is separated from the context of the holy meal. The host is not just bread to be eaten in faith, it is the embodiment of Jesus even apart from the act of eating. Consequently, the sacrament is reserved so that it can be adored. To adore the consecrated host is to worship Jesus because it is Jesus. The consecrated host is lifted up and carried about in the Procession of the Holy Sacrament on the annual solemnity of Co...