The 39 Articles of Religion: Articles XXIX & XXX, More on the Lord's Supper

Article 29 is an appendix to 28. The primary point is that unbelievers are not partakers of Christ; therefore, they should stay away from receiving the sacraments of the Lord's Supper. No one--believer or unbeliever--should want to argue with this point!

Article 30 continues clarifying for Anglicans how we practice the Lord's Supper. Because Jesus gave both bread and wine to his followers, we are to practice what he did. There are not two classes of Christians when it comes to receiving the Cup of the Lord. All are to partake.

XXIX. Of the Wicked, which eat not the Body of Christ in the use of the Lord's Supper.

The Wicked, and such as be void of a lively faith, although they do carnally and visibly press with their teeth (as Saint Augustine saith) the Sacrament of the Body and Blood of Christ; yet in no wise are they partakers of Christ: but rather, to their condemnation, do eat and drink the sign or Sacrament of so great a thing.

XXX. Of both Kinds.

The Cup of the Lord is not to be denied to the Lay-people: for both the parts of the Lord's Sacrament, by Christ's ordinance and commandment, ought to be ministered to all Christian men alike.