Routledge - The Theory and Practice of Extended Communion

Explore the theological and practical shifts in modern worship with The Theory and Practice of Extended Communion. Published by Routledge as part of the Liturgy, Worship and Society Series, this book examines the development of extended communion practices across different denominations. Phillip Tovey investigates how three major churches have adapted their services to allow for the distribution of previously consecrated elements. This process, often conducted by lay people or a deacon when a priest is absent, represents a significant change in liturgical tradition. The study traces these developments from the 1988 Vatican Directory on Sunday Worship in the absence of a priest to the 1999 Methodist Church service and the 2001 Church of England authorization of Public Worship with Communion by Extension. This text provides a detailed look at the reasons behind these liturgical changes, making it an essential resource for those studying Christian worship, church history, and the evolving practices of the Roman Catholic, Methodist, and Anglican traditions.