Impact of the Reformation

Late Medieval

Elizabethan

Communion
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Communion (image 3)

The communion service was now seen as a memorial of the Last Supper and the Passion of Christ, rather than a re-enactment of his sacrifice. It took place around a table (not an altar) with the minister on the North side and the congregation around the table. In most churches communion would be quarterly, and the congregation received both the bread and the wine. In the Elizabethan period kneeling was encouraged, but people could stand or sit if they preferred.

Laudian