Den föränderliga nattvarden : En studie om anpassat nattvardsbruk i Svenska kyrkan och dess ecklesiologiska och teologiska konsekvenser.

The present study investigates which theological and ecclesial consequences adjustments of the holy communion, that have been recognized in the empirical material, motivated by societal circumstances (in this case the covid-19 pandemic), may result in regarding the Church of Sweden. The empirical material has been obtained from interviews with the vicar responsible for the communion for the parish in question. The material has been analyzed against the background of the vital communion motifs described in the theoretical framework presented in chapter 2 of the essay. In two out of three cases, different forms of individual communal-cups have been practiced in a way that does not correspond with the Evangelical-Lutheran tradition regarding this matter. The theological consequences of the various practices that have been noticed in these three cases have the ultimate consequence that Christ’s real presence in the holy communion may be weakened and unclear. The communio motif in the holy communion is not clearly visible in the fact that the congregation does not partake in the consecrated bread and wine, which tends to diminish the communion and goes to waste. The consecrated bread and wine only partake as a symbol during the words of institution. When the communal gifts are only being used as a way to symbolize the congregation’s normal communal service it suffers consequences in all the communion motifs described in the essay. The corelines in the anamnesis-, communio- and atonement motifs, which is making Christ’s atonement now present and effective for every believer in the celebration of the eucharist, is being threatened. The Lord’s Supper is instead given the character of a symbolic act that celebrates the commemoration of Jesus’ death, a memorial service, that does not re-actualize Christ’s sacrificial death on the cross as a real event here and now. When bread and wine is used as symbols and only shown to the congregation and never broken during the breaking