At long last United Methodists have a comprehensive statement on the theology and practice of Holy Communion. When the church's 2004 General Conference adopted This Holy Mystery: A United Methodist Understanding of Holy Communion, the conference stood and applauded the action. The delegates recognized and celebrated that God's Spirit had used their action to address a deep hunger among United Methodists for more meaningful understanding and experience of the Eucharist. This Holy Mystery is an invitation to significant study, conversation, and sharing around the sacrament in Sunday school classes, seminaries, pastors' meetings, and other settings.

As an official interpretive statement, This Holy Mystery is available in the 2004 Book of Resolutions.

In the spring of 2005 Discipleship Resources will publish a study edition written by Gayle C. Felton. It will include the text of the paper, along with substantive commentary and guidance for group leaders seeking to explore This Holy Mystery in various contexts.

This edition of the paper is the online HTML version. Click here to download a pdf file in printer spreads of This Holy Mystery. Click here to download a plain text pdf file of This Holy Mystery.

For more information about resources for study and availability of translations of This Holy Mystery in French, Korean, Portuguese, and Spanish, contact The Center for Worship Resourcing, The General Board of Discipleship at 615-340-7070 or worship@gbod.org.

Part One: There Is More to the Mystery

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