The Bishop of Pennsylvania, the Rt. Rev. Charles E. Bennison, was denied the sacrament of Holy Communion twice during a recent visit to St. John's Church, Huntingdon Valley, Pa. Bishop Bennison was not on a pastoral visit to the parish, but was seated in the congregation. He went to the altar to receive the sacrament during two services on Sunday, Aug. 6, but was denied by parish clergy.

St. John's, an evangelical congregation in suburban Philadelphia, is one of several which have been at odds with Bishop Bennison over the bishop's stance on important issues facing the church, particularly the blessing of same-sex relationships and the ordination of non-celibate homosexual persons.

Bishop Bennison called the parish on Saturday, Aug. 5, and inquired on an answering machine about the times for services the following day. The Rev. William C. Kenney, assistant rector, returned the call to Bishop Bennison and left a message on the bishop's answering machine that he would be welcome at the services at 8 and 9:30 a.m. but that "we have no desire or willingness to administer the sacrament to you."

Bishop Bennison did appear at the 8 a.m. service and was refused communion by the Rev. Kenneth Cook, associate rector. Fr. Cook told reporter David Virtue that he stood in front of Bishop Bennison at the communion rail and said, "I trust that you understand." When Fr. Kenney, administering the chalice, reached the bishop, he said the same thing.

Between services, Bishop Bennison spoke to several members of the congregation. He returned for the 9:30 service and again was denied the sacrament. He talked with the two assisting clergy before and after the second service.

"We reiterated that we had chosen not to give him communion because of his unbiblical theological and ethical positions, and because we believe it was not in his best interests to receive communion," Fr. Cook said. "We did not believe it would be loving on our behalf to give him Holy Communion."

The assisting clergy made the decision to deny communion to the bishop because the rector, the Rev. Philip D. Lyman, was away on vacation. When he returned, the rector said he approved of the actions of his associates.

Bishop Bennison explained why he had gone to St. John's.

"I went there to worship with the people because I'm concerned about the unity of the parish with the diocese, and I'm trying to do all I can to maintain the unity of the church."

St. John's has not paid its diocesan assessment in recent years.

"I had a good time with the folks there," Bishop Bennison said. "Many greeted me with warmth, hospitality and laughter. Some were absolutely delighted I had come and hoped that I would come again."