Catholics Clarify Orthodox Communion Guides

The nation’s Roman Catholic bishops approved changes in parishioners’ Mass book guidelines Thursday to make it clear that members of Eastern Orthodox churches can receive communion.

The new language, approved by the National Conference of Catholic Bishops on a voice vote, states: “Because of the close relationship of the Catholic Church with the Orthodox Churches, the Assyrian Church of the East and the Polish National Catholic Church, members of these churches may receive the Eucharist, if they ask for it and are properly disposed.”