intercommunion

[ in-ter-kuh-myoon-yuhn ]

noun

1. mutual communion, association, or relations.
2. Ecclesiastical. a communion service among members of different denominations.

intercommunion

/ ˌɪntəkəˈmjuːnjən /

noun

1. association between Churches, involving esp mutual reception of Holy Communion

Word History and Origins

Origin of intercommunion¹

First recorded in 1755–65; inter- + communion

Example Sentences

Four years ago I wrote an essay describing the Francis era as a crisis for conservative Catholicism — or at least the conservative Catholicism that believed John Paul II had permanently settled debates over celibacy, divorce, intercommunion and female ordination.

From New York Times

So in Germany, where the church is rich and sterile and half-secularized, the Francis era has offered a permission slip to proceed with various liberalizing moves, from communion for the remarried to intercommunion with Protestants — while across the Oder in Poland the bishops are proceeding as if John Paul II still sits upon the papal throne and his teaching is still fully in effect.

From New York Times

While there he hosted the then Archbishop of Canterbury, Donald Coggan, on his groundbreaking visit to Rome when, to the amazement of the Vatican, Coggan called for full intercommunion between the Anglican and Catholic churches.

From BBC

Prior to the pope’s visit to Sweden, much had been made of ongoing discussions to bring about “intercommunion” between Rome and Lutheran church bodies such that Lutherans could be administered the sacrament of the Eucharist at a Catholic Mass. 

From Washington Times

However, at the cathedral service, Pope Francis and Bishop Younan signed a statement indicating that intercommunion between the churches remained a goal for the future.

From Wall Street Journal