Jeremy Corbyn has caused alarm by (allegedly) receiving Holy Communion at a funeral at a Catholic church, despite not being a Catholic. Critics have accused him of “disrespecting the faith quite considerably” and causing offence to faithful Catholics. But many non-Catholics are confused: what’s the big deal? Why does the Catholic Church have to exclude people? Shouldn’t it be more welcoming? The truth is, there are very good reasons why non-Catholics should not receive Communion.

Communion is a statement of faith