The cup of the Lord is not to be denied to the lay people; for both the parts of the Lord's Supper, by Christ's ordinance and commandment, ought to be administered to all Christians alike.

*     *     *

At the time of the writing of the 39 Articles of the Anglican Church, it was a common practice in the Roman Catholic Church for people only to be allowed to receive the bread and not the wine when celebrating the Lord’s Supper. The Roman Catholic Church enacted this practice to keep the “Blood of Christ” from being tainted or spilled by the people. The practice, however, also furthered the dangerous thinking of Christians that the Clergy were more holy than the laity by virtue of their separation from the everyday affairs of life. 

This Article was written to assert and clarify that both elements are for all of Christ's people, clergy and laity alike. Furthermore, this is a reminder that while some are called to positions of authority, that role does not make them greater in the Kingdom of God, for the greatest is the servant of all. However, this should not be misconstrued to mean that the Sacraments may not be denied, when necessary, such as in cases of Church Discipline

*     *     *

Reflect on the following Biblical texts. What are your thoughts on the way they reveal this doctrine to us? Discuss your answers with your pastor/group leader.

Matthew 26:17-30 

Matthew 18:15-20 / 1 Corinthians 5:1-13 / 1 Corinthians 11:17-34 

Matthew 23:1-39 (cf. Jeremiah 23:1-40) 

Mark 10:35-45 / 2 Timothy 3:1-9 (cf. Deuteronomy 13:1-3)

*     *     *

Use the following questions to summarize what you have learned about this Article of Faith. Discuss your answers with your pastor/group leader. 

Why do we reject the Roman Catholic teaching that the laity can be denied the Cup of Christ in the Lord’s Supper?

How does this doctrine affect the practice of our faith? 

Notes: