Every week in Parishes across the country young children come to Holy Communion services.  Many of them are regular worshippers.  They are baptised and therefore part of the Body of Christ through their Baptism.  Yet they are excluded from receiving the sacrament.

The General Synod and the House of Bishops have debated the question of children receiving communion before confirmation over many years.  In November 1996 the first set of guidelines were issued by the House of Bishops and on the 15^th June 2006 these guidelines became Regulations under Canon B15A.

For some time this Diocese, along with many others has admitted children to Holy Communion before confirmation and it has been encouraging to note that this has been a factor in the refreshing of worship of young people in many of our churches.

The decision to admit children to Holy Communion before confirmation is a challenging but exciting step, one that should involve not just the PCC or the children’s leaders but the whole church. 

In the light of the new Regulations the Diocesan Policy document for the admission of children to Holy Communion

We Welcome You …… has been revised. 

TheWe Welcome You …… document includes;

• A step by step guide through the Diocesan procedures with discussion questions
• A historical and theological overview of the issue
• A copy of the new Regulations
• Parish Application form
• Advice on the preparation of children
• Suggestions for worship
• Further resources