Accra: Leading Ghanaian theologians have called for a return to biblical principles in administering the Lord’s Supper, rejecting long-standing church practices that divide believers into ‘communicants’ and ‘non-communicants.’

According to Ghana News Agency, speaking at the 13th edition of the Berea Lecture Series in Accra, Dr. Kwabena J. Darkwa Amanor, Director of the Berea Academy, described the exclusion of some church members from Holy Communion as ‘unbiblical’ and urged churches to abandon the practice altogether.

Dr. Darkwa Amanor explained that over many years, the system of labeling some as communicants and others as non-communicants, permitting some and barring others from the Lord’s Table is not grounded in scripture. He emphasized that it is wrong and must be discouraged. He referenced the Apostle Paul’s rebuke of the Corinthian church in 1 Corinthians 11, explaining that early Christians had begun to show preference to wealthier members who could afford full meals during communion gatherings, while poorer members were left out or shamed.

He highlighted that this created exclusion rather than inclusion in the church, which goes against the very essence of the Lord’s Supper. He remarked that Christ died for all, regardless of social status, and that churches cannot use what He instituted to divide the community.

Rev. Professor F. M. Amevenku, President of Trinity Theological Seminary, reinforced the point by warning against modern distortions of scripture and urged believers to examine the Bible for themselves rather than rely solely on church leaders or self-proclaimed prophets. He noted a trend where believers are placing their faith more in human intermediaries than in God, cautioning against using personal experiences to override scripture.

He stressed the importance of biblical literacy among African Christians, urging that, like the Bereans in Acts 17, believers must test every teaching against the Word. He stated that faith means trusting God and His Word, not waiting daily for a prophet to guide them.

The lecture attracted theologians, church leaders, and lay Christians who engaged in deep reflection on how churches today interpret and practice key Christian rites.