intercommunion

Intercommunion is the practice of sharing Holy Communion or the Eucharist between members of different Christian denominations. It arises in ecumenical contexts when churches seek visible signs of unity or when local communities participate in joint services. The concept is contentious because it touches on distinct understandings of what the Eucharist represents, who may consecrate and distribute it, and which ecclesial communities are considered to be in full communion.

In the Roman Catholic Church, intercommunion with non-Catholics is generally not allowed. Catholics receive the Eucharist within the Catholic Church, and the Church teaches that the sacrament denotes unity with the communion of believers. There are very limited exceptions in canon law (Canon 844) under grave necessity or in specific ecumenical arrangements, where non-Catholic Christians who share in the Catholic understanding of the Eucharist may be admitted with the local bishop's permission and proper disposition.

Among Protestant and Anglican traditions, practices vary. Some denominations practice open or widely extended communion, inviting all baptized Christians to partake, while others restrict participation to members of their own church or to those in recognized ecumenical relationships. The Orthodox churches generally maintain closed communion, with intercommunion with non-Orthodox being rare and typically limited to specific pastoral or interchurch settings.

Over the 20th century, ecumenical dialogue has produced certain agreements and shared liturgies in some places, reflecting a desire for greater visible unity. However, doctrinal differences regarding the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist, sacraments, and ecclesial authority continue to limit broad, universal intercommunion. The term is most often used of particular local arrangements or within specific ecumenical families rather than a universal practice.