German Cardinals condemn intercommunion

Briefing. What the Cardinals say is equally applicable in the UK.

From CFNews: As German Lutherans open a conference in Cologne, two of the country's top Catholic prelates have reiterated the teaching of the Church opposing intercommunion with Protestants. Cardinals Karl Lehmann and Joachim Meisner explained that sharing in the Eucharist-- a practice that has become widespread in Germany-- is contrary to the teaching of the Church. While expressing their support for ecumenical work, the cardinals said that sharing in Communion signifies a full accord in faith, which in reality does not exist. Cardinal Lehmann, in an interview with Neue Osnabrucker Zeitung said that Catholics and Lutherans should work toward the realization of full unity, at which point intercommunion would be a natural consequence of shared belief and worship. Until that point is reached, he said, sharing in Communion should be regarded as 'immature fruit' of ecumenism