Exploring the Concept of “Virtual Sacrament”: An Anglican View

Exploring the Concept of Virtual Sacrament: An Anglican View

LEE Fu Ho William

This paper explores the feasibility of “virtual sacraments” according to the Anglican understanding of sacraments, particularly in the context of the Eucharist and baptism, by examining the Book of Common Prayer and the Thirty-Nine Articles of Religion. Anglican theology views sacraments as means of grace with active participation of the Holy Spirit. For instance, concerning baptism, the Thirty-Nine Articles state that people properly baptized become part of the church and receive forgiveness of sins. Water, the external symbol of baptism, is administered by a priest (the celebrant) in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, accompanied by prayers of thanksgiving. Water holds sacred significance in baptism, serving as the primary medium for cleansing of sins. In the Eucharist, though the bread and wine remain unchanged materially, through the Real Presence of the Holy Spirit, the recipients (the people) actually partake in Christ's body and blood. The Book of Common Prayer seems to require the celebrant priest to physically “take,” “bless,” “break,” and “give” the body and blood of Christ to the congregation. Does the practice of “virtual sacraments” align with Anglican theology, the Book of Common Prayer, and the Thirty-Nine Articles? Should “virtual sacraments” be considered valid alternatives during times of crisis, such as a pandemic? This paper aims to explore and discuss these questions.