Two years ago, the leadership of the Anglican Communion indicated intense disapproval of the movement within the Archdiocese of Sydney to permit lay people to celebrate the Holy Eucharist. Both the Archbishop of Canterbury and the Archbishop of Sydney condemned this innovation as contrary to Anglican doctrine and polity. I assumed, of course, that the bishops of the Episcopal Church concurred in this judgment. Certainly the granting of such permission would undermine any claims made by Anglicans that they subscribe to principles of catholic order.

Therefore, I was disturbed to learn in a letter that Lutherans in the United States permit a minister to appoint a lay person to administer the holy communion when the minister himself or herself is unable to do so. In addition, another church publication informed its readers that this policy was recently upheld by the leadership of the ELCA.

If this practice of lay celebration is so anathema to Anglican leaders, how can they possibly permit its introduction through the back door via the recent agreement with the Lutherans? Are Episcopalians now encouraged to receive the sacrament at these lay celebrations? Or should they decline to attend? Should we now tacitly condone lay celebrations in Episcopal parishes? And, finally, what instructions have been issued by the House of Bishops, the Presiding Bishop, or bishops of dioceses concerning participation by Episcopalians at these services?

This unsettling situation underscores my opinion that the agreement with the Lutherans was premature, with its ramifications and consequences not fully considered.

(The Rev.) Warren C. Platt

New York, N.Y.