I have been attending an independent church lately where they allow people to bring their pets (dogs) and give them communion. For those who don't know the procedure, people file down to the front of the church and receive a piece of bread and a sip of wine - of course, they don't have two classes. Well, if you have your doggie with you, the pet can also receive (I assume only the bread - what a mess it would make for them to slurp from the chalice!).
Well, it wouldn't be such a big deal if the priest didn't make an issue of it - impressing on all that this is the church where it is done. I told him most Christians would be offended, as Christ died for humans and not animals, and that animals can't meet the prerequisite of even having faith. But he said when he sees a dog playing with children, this is true communion.
The congregation is so small I imagine someone started bringing their dog, feeling they couldn't leave it home. Then when they got it to church, they couldn't tie it up while they went forward, so doggie went with them. And then, not to leave the good boy (or girl) out, it began getting its tastey biscuit.
Any thoughts?