Perspectief 2016-34

Perspectie 50 Eucharistic hospitality Reconsidering the terminology Giulia Casadei MA and Fokke Wouda MA Introduction The phenomenon often referred to as intercommunion is a complex and controversial topic closely related to the theme of recognition and reception in ecumenical relations. As we are both studying particular cases – historical and contemporary – we stumble upon the ambiguity of the language involved. Researching these cases from our historical and practical theological perspectives, we look for proper terminology to describe them. First, we look at some examples from the early post-Conciliar period as studied by Giulia Casadei. Then we examine some contemporary cases to illustrate the situation today. Describing what happens in these cases, we come to an understanding of the practice that is closely linked to the 1993 Ecumenical Directory of the Pontifical Council for the Promotion of Christian Unity. Following our observations of these cases we advocate in this article the use of the term Eucharistic hospitality as term that adequately describes what happens. As such it can be the starting point for re-interpreting the popular term intercommunion. Cases that sparked the debate The term intercommunion has often generated misunderstandings and doubts linked to its ambiguous and improper use 1 . In the ecumenical movement, the initial questions 1 Martin Reardon, ‘L'intercomunion et les Accords de Meissen et de Porvoo’, in Irenikon , LXXII (1999/3-4) pp. 502-523. According to the author, the first use of the term intercommunion goes back to the second half of the nineteenth century in England.